§ Lord Lester of Herne Hillasked Her Majesty's Government:
What are the current air quality objectives applicable to the United Kingdom regarding the levels of nitrogen dioxide, low level ozone, and small particles in the atmosphere; and over what timescale those objectives will be met. [HL4123]
79WA
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Whitty)The Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland sets objective for nitrogen dioxide, ozone and particles, among other pollutants. The objectives in England for the pollutants of concern are set out in the table below. Our current assessment is that most areas of England will meet the objectives by the target dates. We are looking at possible further measures as part of the current reviews of the Air Quality Strategy and Climate Change Programme and implementation of theFuture of Transport White Paper.
Air Quality Strategy objectives in England for protection of
public health
Pollutant Concentration in micrograms per cubic metre µg/m3 Measured as Date to be achieved by Nitrogen dioxide 200 µg/m3 not to be exceeded more than 18 times a year 1 hour mean 31.12.2005 40 µg/m3 annual mean 31.12.2005 Ozone 100 µg/m3 not to be exceeded more than 10 times a year Daily maximum of running 8 hour mean 31.12.2005 Particles (as PM10) all of England 50 µg/m3 not to be exceeded more than 35 times a year 24 hour mean 31.12.2004 40 µg/m3 annual mean 31.12.2004 Particles (as PM10) all of England except 50 µg/m3 not to be exceeded more than 7 times a year 24 hour mean 31.12.2010 London 20 µg/m3 annual mean 31.12.2010 Particles (as PM10) for London 50 µg/m3 not to be exceeded more than 10 times a year 24 hour mean 31.12.2010 23 µg/m3 annual mean 31.12.2010