Summary
This submission supports strong standards in the upcoming National Environmental Protection Measures (NEPM) review of SO2, NO2 and ozone. These three pollutants are quick acting respiratory irritants – and may worsen asthma symptoms and contribute to lung disease.
The RACGP recommends:
- Adopting a world’s best NO2 standard of 9 parts per billion.
- Expanding the network of monitors to include roadside NO2 monitors at key roadside areas in each city where a significant population will be exposed.
- Adopting the World Health Organisation (WHO) 1 day SO2 standard of 8 parts per billion.