更好保障公众健康 我国有望迎来更严格环境空气质量标准

Core Viewpoint - The Ministry of Ecology and Environment is seeking public opinion on the revised National Ambient Air Quality Standards, which aim to tighten limits on particulate matter and gases like sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) to better protect public health and improve air quality [1][2]. Group 1: Reasons for Revising Air Quality Standards - The current standards have led to significant improvements in air quality, with PM2.5 annual concentration decreasing by 36% from 2015 to 2024 and heavy pollution days reduced by 68% [2]. - The revision is necessary to enhance public health protection, as PM2.5 remains the most harmful air pollutant according to WHO research [2][3]. - The revision supports the goal of achieving an average PM2.5 concentration of below 25 micrograms per cubic meter by 2035, as part of the Beautiful China initiative [2][3]. Group 2: Key Changes in the Revised Standards - The revised standards will tighten the secondary limits for PM2.5 annual and daily concentrations to 25 micrograms per cubic meter and 50 micrograms per cubic meter, respectively [4]. - PM10 annual and daily secondary limits will also be tightened to 50 micrograms per cubic meter and 100 micrograms per cubic meter [4]. - The revision will not change the limits for ozone and carbon monoxide but will tighten limits for sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide [4]. Group 3: Implementation Phases of the Revised Standards - The revised standards will be implemented in two phases: the first phase from 2026 to 2030 will have transitional limits for PM2.5 and PM10 [6]. - The second phase, starting in 2031, will fully implement the revised limits for particulate matter and gases [7]. - The transitional limits are designed to allow for a smooth implementation and to reduce short-term pressures on economic and social development [7].