What are the key air quality pollutants?
The Air Quality Regulations 2000 and Air Quality (Amendment) Regulations 2002 set air quality objectives for the 7 key pollutants contained within the UK National Air Quality Strategy. The current air quality objectives set in regulation are listed below:
Benzene* (C6 H6)
16.25 µg/m3 (5ppb)
Running annual mean
Constituent of petrol emitted as un-burnt fuel or through evaporation (motor vehicles etc). Also present in cigarette smoke.
n/a
31 Dec 2003
5 µg/m3 (1.5ppb)
Annual mean
as above
n/a
31 Dec 2010
1,3-Butadiene*
2.25 µg/m3 (1 ppb)
Running annual mean
Used in the manufacture of synthetic chemicals and rubber. Also present in cigarette smoke.
n/a
31 Dec 2003
Carbon monoxide (CO)
10.00 m g/m3 (8.6ppm)
Maximum daily running 8 hour mean
Vehicle emissions, inefficient combustion of most fuels including gas, coal and oil.
n/a
31 Dec 2003
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
200 µg/m3 (105ppb)
1 hour mean
Combustion processes particularly vehicle emissions.
18
31 Dec 2005
40 µg/m3 (21ppb)
Annual mean
as above
n/a
31 Dec 2005
Lead (pB)
0.5 µg/m3
Annual mean
Main source in ambient air from leaded petrol (4 Star)
n/a
31 Dec 2004
0.25 µg/m3
Annual mean ( by 2008)
as above
n/a
31 Dec 2008
Particles
(PM 10)
50 µg/m3
24 hour mean
Many sources but particularly from diesel vehicle emissions in towns and cities.
35
31 Dec 2004
40 µg/m3
Annual mean
as above
n/a
31 Dec 2004
Sulphur dioxide (SO2)
350 µg/m3 (132 ppb)
1 hour mean
Mainly from combustion of fossil fuels.
24
31 Dec 2004
125 µg/m3 (47 ppb)
24 hour mean
3
31 Dec 2004
266 µg/m3 (100 ppb)
15 minute mean
35
31 Dec 2005
For more information on air quality guidelines and statistics please visit the links section.
