Air pollution

part 4
SREEVIDYA SREEKUMAR

Kerala PSC Expert

Air Quality Standards and limits
● Ambient air quality refers to the condition or quality of air surrounding us in
the outdoors.

● National Ambient Air Quality Standards are the standards for ambient air
quality set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) that is applicable
nationwide.

● The CPCB has been conferred this power by the Air (Prevention and Control
of Pollution) Act, 1981.
● These are designed to set limits on the amount of pollution allowed in the air
The Air(Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981 describes the main
functions of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) as follows:
● To advise the Central Government on any matter concerning the
improvement of the quality the air and the prevention, control and abatement
of air pollution.

● To plan and cause to be executed a nation-wide programme for the

prevention, control and abatement of air pollution
● To provide technical assistance and guidance to the State Pollution Control
Board.

● To carry out and sponsor investigations and research related to prevention,

control and abatement of air pollution.

● To collect, compile and publish technical and statistical data related to air
pollution

● To lay down and annul standards for the quality of air

What is the Air Quality Index?
● The Air Quality Index (AQI) is an indicator of air quality, based on air
pollutants that have adverse effects on human health and the environment.

● The pollutants are ozone, fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, carbon
monoxide, sulphur dioxide.
Air Quality Index

● An air quality index (AQI) is a number used by government agencies to

communicate to the public how polluted the air currently is or how polluted it
is forecast to become.

● As the AQI increases, an increasingly large percentage of the population is

likely to experience increasingly severe adverse health effects.
● The National Air Quality Index (AQI) was launched in New Delhi on 17
September 2014 under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

● The Central Pollution Control Board along with State Pollution Control
Boards has been operating National Air Monitoring Program (NAMP) covering
240 cities of the country having more than 342 monitoring stations
Use of AQI
1. It helps in informing public about air pollution in a particular area.

2. It helps in comparing air pollution levels in different cities

3. It may be used for development for a system for avoidance or management of

a severe air pollution episode
Thank you