Ambient air quality goals recommended by the National Health and Medical
Research Council
(adapted from
http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/publications/pdfcover/aircover.htm)
Goals for Maximum Permissible Levels of Pollutants in
Ambient Air*
Pollutant
Measurement (µg/m3)
Units (ppm)
Measurement Criteria
Notes
NHMRC Session at
which recommended
Carbon monoxide (CO)
10,000
9
Eight hour average not to be exceeded more than once a year
This period of measurement is not to be confused with that for
Threshold Limit Values.
98th (Oct 1984)
Lead
1.5
-
Three month average
-
88th (Oct 1979)
Nitrogen
dioxide (NO2)
320
0.16
One hour level not to be exceeded more than once a month
0.16 ppm replaces 0.17 ppm to conform with the method of
measurement
92nd (Oct 1981)
Ozone, photochemical oxidants
210
0.10
Maximum hourly average not to be exceeded more than once a year
A public warning to be given if ozone levels are expected to
rise above 500 µg/m3 (0.25 ppm).
119th (June 1995)
170
0.08
Four hour average
-
119th (June 1995)
Sulfates
15
-
Annual mean
-
104th (Nov 1987)
Sulfur dioxide (SO2)
700
0.25
Ten minutes average
“CAUTION: At these recommended levels, there still may be some
people (for example, asthmatics and those suffering chronic lung disease) who
will experience respiratory symptoms and may need further medical advice or
medication”.
120th (Nov 1995)
570
0.20
One hour average
120th (Nov 1995)
60
0.02
Annual mean
106th (Nov 1988)
Total Suspended Particulates (TSP)
90
-
Annual mean
TSP goal to be read in conjunction with annual SO2 goal.
92nd (Oct 1981)
* Expressed at 00C and 101.3 kPa. May 1996
Interim national indoor air quality goals recommended by the National Health
and Medical Research Council
(adapted from
http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/publications/pdfcover/aircover.htm)
Goals for Maximum Permissible Levels of Pollutants in Indoor Air*
Pollutant
Measurement (µg/m3)
Units (ppm)
Measurement Criteria
Notes
NHMRC Session at
which recommended
Carbon monoxide (CO)
10,000
9
Eight hour average not to
be exceeded more than
once a year
This period of measurement is
not to be confused with that
for Threshold Limit Values.
98th (Oct 1984)
Formaldehyde #
120
0.1
Not to be exceeded
Within domestic premises and schools
93rd (June 1982)
Lead
1.5
-
Three month average
-
88th (Oct 1979)
Ozone, photochemical oxidants
210
0.10
Maximum hourly average not to be exceeded more than once a year
A public warning to be given if ozone levels are expected to rise above 500 µg/m3 (0.25 ppm).
119th (June 1995)
170
0.08
Four hour average
-
119th (June 1995)
Radon #
200 becquerels
per cubic metre
(5.4 nCi/m3)
-
Annual mean
Action level for simple remedial action in Australian homes. Where the concentration exceeds this level, householders should consult the appropriate State authority for advice.
109th (May 1990)
Sulfur dioxide (SO2)
700
0.25
Ten minute average
“CAUTION: At these recommended levels, there still may be some people (for
example, asthmatics and those suffering chronic lung disease) who will
experience respiratory symptoms and may need further medical advice or
medication”.
120th (Nov 1995)
570
0.20
One hour average
120th (Nov 1995)
60
0.02
Annual mean
106th (Nov 1988)
Total Suspended Particulates (TSP)
90
-
Annual mean
TSP goal to be read in conjunction with annual SO2 goal.
92nd (Oct 1981)
Total Volatile Organic Compounds
500
-
Hourly average
A single compound shall not contribute more than 50% of the total
115th (June 1993)
* Expressed at 00C and 101.3 kPa. May 1996 # Formaldehyde and Radon are final goals
