The National Health Research Institutes (NHRI) and Environmental Ministry have used empirical data to establish air quality guidelines more consistent with Taiwan’s geography, economy, and industry.
Using data from national health databases and the Interior Ministry’s death statistics, the NHRI analyzed air pollutant exposure and increased risk of death and disease. They used these results to establish a Taiwan-exclusive air quality health index (AQHI). Compared to the original air quality indicator (AQI), the AQHI better reflects the effect of air pollution on public health.
The Environmental Ministry revised air quality standards accordingly, lowering the annual average target for PM2.5 from the current 15 μg/m3 to 12 μg/m3. Concentration standards for carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and other pollutants will also be revised based on the WHO’s global air quality guidelines.
This Monday, the NHRI’s National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Manager Lai Yun (賴芸) said that if the new annual target is reached, the expense required to reduce air pollution should be offset by reduced mortality due to pollution-related cardiorespiratory and metabolic diseases.