India to recalibrate air quality norms next year

Source: Times of India

What is the news?

India is likely to have new national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) in 2022, which will consist of more pollutants including ultra fine particulate matter of less than PM2.5.

CPCB has awarded the work of updating NAAQS to the IIT Kanpur led team of experts. The team will recommend the revised standards by fine-tuning and broadening the pollutants’ base.

About NAAQS

India’s first NAAQS was adopted in 1982 and revised twice in 1994 and 2009. It includes 8 major pollutants

1. PM_2.5
2. PM₁₀
3. Sulphur dioxide
4. Nitrogen dioxide
5. Carbon monoxide
6. Benzene
7. Ammonia
8. Ozone

Note: Please note that there is no Carbon Di-oxide (CO₂) in the above list of pollutants.

Tasks before expert panel

• expanding the scope of measurement of air pollution
• determining frequency of measurement
• effects of air pollutants on human health and vegetation
• review of air quality index (AQI)
• use of various technologies for monitoring

Terms to know:

• Air Quality Index