What kind of environmental air quality does the city actually want?
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Even on sunny days, the urban area appears distinctly gray; from the rooftops, it’s impossible to see buildings more than 2 kilometers away. Yet the Air Quality Daily report issued by the Environmental Protection Department classifies my city as having \"good\" air quality. Does it have to be until a pollution incident occurs for it to be labeled as having mild pollution? The Environmental Air Quality Standard GB3095-1996 is a standard from 13 years ago; however, in the year 2000 an amendment was issued: Amendment to the Environmental Air Quality Standard (GB3095-1996). 1. The nitrogen oxide (NOX) parameter is to be removed. II. The annual average concentration limit for the secondary standard of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) has been changed from 0.04 mg/m3 to 0.08 mg/m3; the daily average concentration limit has been changed from 0.08 mg/m3 to 0.12 mg/m3; and the hourly average concentration limit has been changed from 0.12 mg/m3 to 0.24 mg/m3. III. The hourly average concentration limit for the primary standard of ozone (O3) has been changed from 0.12 mg/m3 to 0.16 mg/m3; the hourly average concentration limit for the secondary standard has been changed from 0.16 mg/m3 to 0.20 mg/m3. Not only was it not made stricter, but the high-concentration limit was actually increased. The whole world knows that air pollution in cities is most severe in China, but it seems that no one really pays much attention to it. When the Daily Environmental Quality Report indicates a “good” status, can everyone accept that result? During the Olympics, people in Beijing said the sky had turned blue; I’m not sure what it’s like now. Complain a bit. Everyone is welcome to discuss as well. Living in the city, what kind of environmental air quality do you actually hope for? This post was last edited by johncom on 2009-4-10 08:28]
Put simply, it is to achieve the air quality of remote rural areas without factories. I hope it’s not extremely bad weather – a level 3 air quality condition (with PM10 levels above 100, which is considered unsatisfactory), characterized by high temperatures, high humidity, low wind speeds, no rainfall, and difficulty in the dispersion of pollutants. It is hoped that the air quality will meet the latest \"Air Quality Standards\" set by the World Health Organization; these standards are essentially idealistic guidelines that are much stricter than those currently in use in many parts of the world. At the current stage, any **air quality standards fall short of it, including those in the European Union and the United States. If all could meet WHO standards, how many more years could people live! WHO standards specify that the concentration of inhalable particles PM10 should be below 20 micrograms per cubic meter, whereas the pollution levels in many cities around the world are about four times higher than this. PM10 refers to particulate matter suspended in the air with an aerodynamic equivalent diameter of ≤10μm. It was the European Union that, through the Air Quality Directive adopted in April 2008, set a target to keep PM10 levels in urban areas of the EU at 20 micrograms per cubic meter by 2015, in line with the current standards set by the World Health Organization. China currently uses the standard established in 1996, which is 100 micrograms per cubic meter. The air quality standards in the United States and the European Union also focus on controlling the concentrations of pollutants that have a significant impact on human health, such as fine inhalable particles PM2.5 (particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers). The diameter of human hair is approximately 60 micrometers; particles that are 1/24 the size of hair cannot be seen with the naked eye. Yet if these tiny particles are inhaled into the lung tissue, they can cause serious harm to the body. Professor Zhu said that, unfortunately, China has not yet established **standards** for PM2.5 concentrations at present. I see many people complaining about the poor air quality, but we rarely think that each of us is also a source of pollution. Drive fewer cars on the road. Actually, the situation isn’t that bad; we made efforts and saw results, so it’s not unreasonable to give ourselves a pat on the back for our hard work. So, I really don’t like those accusatory remarks made as if from the perspective of an observer, because we are the ones involved. This post was last edited by johncom on 2009-4-10 08:28]
In accordance with the Environmental Protection Law of the People’s Republic of China and the Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Prevention and Control of Air Pollution, this standard is formulated to improve air quality, prevent ecological damage, create a clean and suitable environment, and protect human health. This standard came into effect on October 1, 1996, replacing GB3095－82 at the same time. This standard has changes in the following contents and chapters: – Standard name ； －3.1－3.14 (definitions of 14 additional terms added) ； －4.1－4.2 (Adjusted the content related to partitioning and grading) ； -5. (Supplemented and adjusted pollutant items, measurement times, and concentration limits) ； -7. (Added provisions to enhance the validity of data statistics). This standard was proposed by the Department of Science and Standards of the **Environmental Protection Agency. This standard is interpreted by the **Environmental Protection Bureau**. 1 Subject matter and scope of application: This standard specifies the classification of environmental air quality functional zones, the grading of standards, the pollutants to be monitored, the timing for data collection and the concentration limits, as well as the methods for sampling and analysis and the requirements regarding the validity of statistical data. This standard is applicable to the assessment of environmental air quality nationwide. 2. Referenced standards: GB/T 15262 – Determination of sulfur dioxide in air – Formaldehyde absorption-p-sulfophenylamine spectrophotometric method; GB 8970 – Determination of sulfur dioxide in air – Tetrachloromercurate p-sulfophenylamine spectrophotometric method; GB/T 15432 – Determination of total suspended particulates in ambient air – Gravimetric method; GB 6921 – Methods for determining the concentration of atmospheric dust in air; GB/T 15436 – Determination of nitrogen oxides in ambient air – Saltzman method; GB/T 15435 – Determination of nitrogen dioxide in ambient air – Saltzman method; GB/T 15437 – Determination of ozone in ambient air – Sodium indigo disulfonate spectrophotometric method; GB/T 15438 – Determination of ozone in ambient air – Ultraviolet photometric method; GB 9801 – Determination of carbon monoxide in air – Non-dispersive infrared method; GB 8971 – Determination of benzo[a]pyrene in air – Acetylated filter paper chromatography-fluorescence spectrophotometric method; GB/T 15439 – Determination of benzo[a]pyrene in ambient air – High-performance liquid chromatography method; GB/T 15264 – Determination of lead in air – Flame atomic absorption spectrophotometric method; GB/T 15434 – Determination of fluorides in ambient air – Filter membrane fluoride-selective electrode method; GB/T 15433 – Determination of cyanides in ambient air – Lime-filter paper fluoride-selective electrode method. 3. Definitions: Total Suspended Particulates (TSP): Particulates that can remain suspended in the air, with an aerodynamic equivalent diameter of ≤100 micrometers. Inhalable particulate matter (Particular matter less than 10 μm, PM10): refers to particulates suspended in the air with an aerodynamic equivalent diameter of ≤10 micrometers. Nitrogen oxides (expressed as NO2): refer to the oxidized forms of nitrogen present in the air, mainly in the form of nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide. Lead (Pb): Refers to lead and its compounds present in total suspended particulates. Benzopyrene (BP): refers to benzopyrene present in inhalable particulate matter. Fluorides (as F): Inorganic fluorides present in gaseous and particulate forms. Annual average: refers to the arithmetic mean of the daily average concentrations for any given year. Seasonal average: refers to the arithmetic mean of the daily average concentrations for any given season. Monthly average: refers to the arithmetic mean of the daily averages for any given month. Daily average: refers to the average concentration on any given day. Average per hour: refers to the average concentration over any one hour. Average during the plant growth season: refers to the arithmetic mean of the monthly averages for any given plant growth season. Ambient air: refers to the outdoor air to which humans, plants, animals, and buildings are exposed. Standard state: refers to the condition at a temperature of 273 K and a pressure of 101.325 kPa. 4 Classification and Standard Grading of Environmental Air Quality Function Zones 4.1 Classification of Environmental Air Quality Function Zones Category I zones include nature reserves, scenic spots, and other areas that require special protection. Category II areas include residential zones, mixed commercial, transportation, and residential zones, cultural zones, general industrial zones, and rural areas as defined in urban planning. Category 3 areas are specific industrial zones. 4.2 Classification of environmental air quality standards Environmental air quality standards are divided into three levels: Class I areas are subject to Level 1 standards, Class II areas are subject to Level 2 standards, and Class III areas are subject to Level 3 standards
In accordance with the Environmental Protection Law of the People’s Republic of China and the Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Prevention and Control of Air Pollution, this standard is formulated to improve air quality, prevent ecological damage, create a clean and suitable environment, and protect human health. This standard came into effect on October 1, 1996, replacing GB3095－82 at the same time. This standard has changes in the following contents and chapters: – Standard name ； －3.1－3.14 (definitions of 14 additional terms added) ； －4.1－4.2 (Adjusted the content related to partitioning and grading) ； -5. (Supplemented and adjusted pollutant items, measurement times, and concentration limits) ； -7. (Added provisions to enhance the validity of data statistics). This standard was proposed by the Department of Science and Standards of the **Environmental Protection Agency. This standard is interpreted by the **Environmental Protection Bureau**. 1 Subject matter and scope of application: This standard specifies the classification of environmental air quality functional zones, the grading of standards, the pollutants to be monitored, the timing for data collection and the concentration limits, as well as the methods for sampling and analysis and the requirements regarding the validity of statistical data. This standard is applicable to the assessment of environmental air quality nationwide. 2. Referenced standards: GB/T 15262 – Determination of sulfur dioxide in air – Formaldehyde absorption-p-sulfophenylamine spectrophotometric method; GB 8970 – Determination of sulfur dioxide in air – Tetrachloromercurate p-sulfophenylamine spectrophotometric method; GB/T 15432 – Determination of total suspended particulates in ambient air – Gravimetric method; GB 6921 – Methods for determining the concentration of atmospheric dust in air; GB/T 15436 – Determination of nitrogen oxides in ambient air – Saltzman method; GB/T 15435 – Determination of nitrogen dioxide in ambient air – Saltzman method; GB/T 15437 – Determination of ozone in ambient air – Sodium indigo disulfonate spectrophotometric method; GB/T 15438 – Determination of ozone in ambient air – Ultraviolet photometric method; GB 9801 – Determination of carbon monoxide in air – Non-dispersive infrared method; GB 8971 – Determination of benzo[a]pyrene in air – Acetylated filter paper chromatography-fluorescence spectrophotometric method; GB/T 15439 – Determination of benzo[a]pyrene in ambient air – High-performance liquid chromatography method; GB/T 15264 – Determination of lead in air – Flame atomic absorption spectrophotometric method; GB/T 15434 – Determination of fluorides in ambient air – Filter membrane fluoride-selective electrode method; GB/T 15433 – Determination of cyanides in ambient air – Lime-filter paper fluoride-selective electrode method. 3. Definitions: Total Suspended Particulates (TSP): Particulates that can remain suspended in the air, with an aerodynamic equivalent diameter of ≤100 micrometers. Inhalable particulate matter (Particular matter less than 10 μm, PM10): refers to particulates suspended in the air with an aerodynamic equivalent diameter of ≤10 micrometers. Nitrogen oxides (expressed as NO2): refer to the oxidized forms of nitrogen present in the air, mainly in the form of nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide. Lead (Pb): Refers to lead and its compounds present in total suspended particulates. Benzopyrene (BP): refers to benzopyrene present in inhalable particulate matter. Fluorides (as F): Inorganic fluorides present in gaseous and particulate forms. Annual average: refers to the arithmetic mean of the daily average concentrations for any given year. Seasonal average: refers to the arithmetic mean of the daily average concentrations for any given season. Monthly average: refers to the arithmetic mean of the daily averages for any given month. Daily average: refers to the average concentration on any given day. Average per hour: refers to the average concentration over any one hour. Average during the plant growth season: refers to the arithmetic mean of the monthly averages for any given plant growth season. Ambient air: refers to the outdoor air to which humans, plants, animals, and buildings are exposed. Standard state: refers to the condition at a temperature of 273 K and a pressure of 101.325 kPa. 4 Classification and Standard Grading of Environmental Air Quality Function Zones 4.1 Classification of Environmental Air Quality Function Zones Category I zones include nature reserves, scenic spots, and other areas that require special protection. Category II areas include residential zones, mixed commercial, transportation, and residential zones, cultural zones, general industrial zones, and rural areas as defined in urban planning. Category 3 areas are specific industrial zones. 4.2 Classification of environmental air quality standards Environmental air quality standards are divided into three levels: Class I areas are subject to Level 1 standards, Class II areas are subject to Level 2 standards, and Class III areas are subject to Level 3 standards
Living in the city, one naturally hopes to enjoy the fresh air found in the countryside. However, due to the characteristics of urban areas, no matter how good the urban environment may be, its air quality may not reach that of the countryside. This is because cars in cities emit exhaust fumes that pollute the air, construction activities generate dust and noise, and there is also the issue of crowded crowds and noisy industrial activities, all of which affect air quality. Although China’s urban environments have indeed seen significant improvements in recent years – such as a ban on coal use, reduced dust levels, and the ability to see blue skies and white clouds, as well as increased green spaces – dust still remains a problem, and these issues require time to be resolved.
Of course, I hope to be able to breathe fresh air and see blue skies and white clouds; to feel the freshness of the air and be in a good mood anytime, anywhere, haha!
Living in the city, one certainly hopes to enjoy the fresh air of the countryside, but vehicle exhaust, dust from construction work and noise in cities, as well as pollutants generated by various industrial processes, all affect air quality. Now many people complain about the poor air quality, yet few consider that we ourselves are a source of pollution. While complaining about how bad the air quality in cities is, they start buying villas in the suburbs, thereby shifting the pollution there. http://bbs.hcbbs.com/viewthread.php?tid=297210&page=1#pid2251843 This post was last edited by ykghahb on 2009-3-20 12:10 ]
The estimates had to be revised because the situation became unbearable; seeing a blue sky in most parts of Beijing felt like celebrating the New Year. But go to the far suburbs—Yanqing Badaling; the air there is quite good, making it suitable for retiring there. The urban areas and suburbs are gray almost every day! How much work was done and how much effort was put in to ensure blue skies during the Olympics! It is believed that the efforts to protect the environment, beyond traffic restrictions, will not diminish once the Olympics are over! I hope to be able to stay at this level and continue to grow!
Are fog and air pollution two different things?
The sky is blue now. I hope that when walking on the streets, one won’t inhale too much vehicle exhaust; there shouldn’t be too much dust in the air, and the smells from chemical plants shouldn’t reach residential areas. On foggy days, there shouldn’t be any unusual odors
The quality of air mainly depends on our various production and daily activities. Although efforts to protect the environment have been intensified, it is almost impossible to return to an era characterized by blue skies, green mountains, and clear waters due to human activities.
It is hoped that as industry develops, the environment will continue to improve. Cities have many green plants, few dust particles in the air, so walking there doesn’t cause irritation to the nose when breathing.
It’s best to plan industrial areas and residential areas separately; this way, we’ll feel more comfortable in the residential areas. Most industrial pollution is caused by chemical manufacturing enterprises, and it’s up to us in the chemical industry to work together to reduce the pollution inflicted on the environment on which we depend for survival. For the sake of having a blue sky above us and being able to breathe fresh air, let’s keep working hard! ! !
A grayish hue is just one aspect of pollution; there are forms of air pollution that are invisible. In the world, larger dust particles are not necessarily less harmful than smaller ones – very fine dust particles can even enter the blood vessels. Of course, everyone wants the air quality to be as high as possible. But in an environment where overall conditions are deteriorating, the only option is to lower the standards. If we stick to the original standards and continue to see reports of poor air quality every day, then who will dare to come here? There will be no investment or tourism, and the public will also become panicked. In these times, development and stability come first. There are also animals that are very tolerant
The favorable evaluation issued is merely the result of the assessment; what’s crucial are the monitoring data
The blue skies during the Beijing Olympics were due not only to traffic restrictions and the closure of factories and construction sites during that period, but also to a certain degree of luck, as there was relatively more cold air activity. The biggest gain is that people have realized the importance of controlling air pollution; this is a good start.
The gradual deterioration of human living conditions has led to environmental control standards that are largely based on what can be achieved through treatment measures, rather than on what would truly make people feel comfortable. If we think back to the times when industrialization was at a very low level, the quality of the environment was such that it’s hard for people today to imagine: the sky was bluer than one can imagine now, the water was so clear and pure that it could be drunk right away, and the air had a pleasant aroma and sweetness to it – things that people these days probably cannot even conceive of.
There is a saying that the blue skies in Beijing are brought about by strong winds. It seems that to have good air quality in cities, air circulation is necessary; it’s difficult to rely on the city’s own purification mechanisms. Of course, this doesn’t mean that cities shouldn’t pursue greenery
Who knows the reasons for the amendments to the \"Environmental Air Quality Standards\" (GB3095-1996)?