Which international organization publishes air quality guidelines that many nations use as a reference?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Answer: World Health Organization (WHO)
Explanation:
- The World Health Organization (WHO) regularly publishes 'Global Air Quality Guidelines' (AQGs). The objective of these guidelines is to establish the levels of air pollutants (such as PM2.5, PM10, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, etc.) that are considered safe for human health. Most countries utilize these WHO guidelines as a benchmark or reference when formulating their national air quality policies and standards.
Additional Points:
- •Latest Update: The WHO last tightened its air quality guidelines in 2021, following new research indicating that even lower levels of pollution than previously thought could be harmful to health.
- •Pollutants: The WHO primarily focuses on six pollutants: Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10), Ozone (O3), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), and Carbon Monoxide (CO).
- •Headquarters: The headquarters of the World Health Organization is located in Geneva, Switzerland.
Potential Q&A:
Question: What does 'PM' stand for in PM2.5, which is used to measure air pollution?
Answer: Particulate Matter.
Question: How many major pollutants are typically included in the calculation of the Air Quality Index (AQI)?
Answer: In countries like India, 8 major pollutants are typically included.
Question: Which organization aims to protect public health on a global level?
Answer: World Health Organization.