EPA to strengthen nitrogen dioxide standards

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is set to strengthen the US' nitrogen dioxide air quality standard, it has been revealed.

EPA administrator Lisa Jackson said the updates will build on the latest scientific data and "meet changing health protection needs".

"In addition to limiting annual average concentrations, we're preventing high NO2 levels for shorter periods of time and adding stronger monitoring in areas near roadways," she added.

Strengthening nitrogen dioxide regulations will provide important additional protection where it is needed most, according to the EPA.

Changes to the American air quality standard for nitrogen dioxide have not been made for 35 years.

In related news, Xinhuanet.com reported recently that air quality has improved in Beijing, with the city enjoying 146 "blue sky days" during the first half of 2009.

Du Shaozhong of the Beijing municipal environmental protection bureau said Beijing has seen 23 more days of blue sky this year than it did in 2008.

Written by Joseph Hutton