Submission to National Environment Protection Council on proposed variation to the National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure standards

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:

1. Adopting a world’s best NO2 standard of 9 parts per billion.
2. Expanding the network of monitors to include roadside NO2 monitors at key roadside areas in each city where a significant population will be exposed.
3. Adopting the World Health Organisation (WHO) 1 day SO2 standard of 8 parts per billion.