Which one among the following has been included as a parameter for the first time under the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), based on Central Pollution Control Board and IIT, Kanpur research, WHO guidelines and European Union limits and practices ?

The National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) were first established in India in 1982, initially covering four pollutants: Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM), and Carbon Monoxide (CO). In 2009, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) revised these standards based on extensive research conducted by IIT Kanpur, while aligning with WHO guidelines and European Union practices. This revision expanded the list to 12 pollutants, including Ozone (O3) for the first time as a regulated parameter [2]. While SO2, NO2, and CO were part of the original 1982 framework, Ozone was introduced in the 2009 notification to address photochemical smog and its health impacts. The updated standards also included Ammonia, Lead, Benzene, Benzo(a)pyrene, Arsenic, and Nickel [2].

Sources

1. [2] https://cpcb.nic.in/openpdffile.php?id=UmVwb3J0RmlsZXMvTmV3SXRlbV8xMjJfTkFBUU1fMjAwNy5wZGY=