Background air pollution ‘still very high’

Background levels of air pollutants are still very high, according to a Government advisory group.

The Air Quality Expert Group said while particulate matter levels have been decreasing over the past few decades, more work needs to be done to ensure that national targets are met.

The group is recommending that levels of primary and secondary emissions of particulate matter are addressed, and that management of air quality does not just focus on hotspots, but on reducing average population exposure.

“The report is based on a substantial amount of data analysis and modelling work, conducted by members of the Air Quality Expert Group,” said Professor Harrison, vice chairman of the group. It represents our best view of current and future ambient concentrations of particulate matter and their relationship to air quality objectives and limit values.”