Air pollution warnings are to be changed following studies which suggest 'safe' levels are more harmful than thought.
Doctors, academics and environment officials will meet today to discuss a reduction in the air pollution objectives, the anchor to a daily index relied on for advice about exposure to harmful pollutants.
'In general terms, the present air quality objectives are not protective, and certainly any [time they are exceeded] should be regarded as potentially very serious,' said Chinese University's Professor Anthony Hedley, author of a study produced for the Environmental Protection Department.
Even the current 'safe' levels of pollution were only achieved in three districts monitored by the department last year.
The index, first published in 1995, is relied on for accurate daily advice on health risks associated with pollution, although its 'safe' levels are based on what can be achieved.
Professor Hedley's work validated a similar study which compared hospital admissions and death rates with air pollution levels recorded by the 13 monitoring stations.
Initial conclusions underline overseas research which indicates health risks arise at lower levels of pollution than previously thought.
