Air pollution below permitted levels, says EPA

CONCENTRATIONS of the two most potentially threatening forms of air pollution were found to be well below permitted levels in the EPA’s report on ambient air quality for 2004.

The report, based on findings from 54 stations in operation during the year, examined levels of sulphur dioxide, black smoke, particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen oxides, lead, carbon monoxide and benzene.

The pollutants of most concern, the EPA states, were fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and to a lesser extent ozone. These factors can have a direct impact on health when levels are excessive.