Photo: ©AaronChenPS2/ Shutterstock.com

Taiwan improves standard for fine particles

Taiwan is tightening its standards for PM2.5. The Ministry of Environment in Taiwan will adjust its PM2.5 target from 15 to 12 micrograms per cubic metre. The change is based on the findings of an eight-year study conducted with the National Health Research Institutes (NHRI). The study found that exposure to PM2.5 for more than 30 years can significantly increase the risk of lung adenocarcinoma in women, non-smokers, and people under 65 years of age.

Chen Yu-cheng from the NHRI told the Formosa News: "It can be quite costly to reduce pollution sources. But high concentrations of pollutants cause disease, and that is also very costly." Accordingly the new PM2.5 standard was set after considering economic and health costs.

Source: Formosa Nes 13 May 2024 https://english.ftvnews.com.tw/news/2024513W07EA

 

In this issue