3095-1996 Air Quality Standards
The air quality standards issued by the Chinese government in 1996, GB 3095-1996, are used to evaluate the air quality of various areas. The standards, also called air quality index standards, are designed to both protect human health and promote the environment.
The standards are based on the six “message pollutants,” or those pollutants that are most closely related to health concerns, such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, particles, and ozone. The pollutants are measured in six indices, two of which are considered primary standards, three secondary standards, and one emergency standard. The primary standards, at a maximum of 75 micrograms per cubic meter, are deemed safe for the general public, and are considered to be the most important standards. The secondary standards, at a maximum of 150 micrograms per cubic meter, are less important, but should still be maintained at safe levels. The emergency standard, at a maximum of 350 micrograms per cubic meter, is generally only used in emergency situations and is designed to alert the public to a hazardous situation.
The standards also specify sampling and monitoring processes, including regulations for the types of instruments to be used and the frequency of sampling. For example, the standard requires that air pollution samples be taken from at least every fifth day. Additionally, the standard designates areas that should be monitored, including urban, rural and outdoor air quality regions.
The air quality standards are evaluated by the China Environmental Protection Agency (CEPA). The CEPA monitors the quality of the environment and evaluates the quality of the air based on the results of the tests, and then produces a report on regional levels. The report is updated annually with the results of the current years tests and incidents, to ensure that the air quality is consistent throughout the country.
The air quality index also includes regulations for how the index should be used and interpreted, as well as how it should be presented. For example, the index should be presented on a scale of zero to four hundred, with a zero being considered “safe” and four hundred being considered “dangerous.”
There are numerous agencies responsible for enforcing the air quality standards, including local governments, public health departments, environmental agencies and environmental organizations. The regulations are reviewed on a regular basis, and any changes or updates are made to ensure that the standards are as effective as possible.
The air quality standards set by the Chinese government are designed to protect the health of citizens by ensuring that the air is free of pollutants. The standards are meant to be maintained, and reviewed on a regular basis to maintain their effectiveness.
