Economic Evaluation of Air Quality Targets for PAHs

The European Commission has in recent years produced several Directives that aim to regulate air pollution, by setting limits for the allowable concentration of pollutants in ambient air. Directives have already been agreed that cover pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, lead and carbon monoxide. For some other pollutants, such as poly aromatic hydrocarbons, the Commission intends to bring forward legislation in the near future. Poly aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are pollutants that may be linked to a higher risk of lung cancer. They are mainly produced through combustion processes, such as domestic woodburning. There are also some emissions from vehicles, and hotspots can arise around certain industrial processes, such as aluminium smelters. This particular study examines the benefits to human health of reducing concentrations of PAHs in the air to meet different possible limit values, and examines the economic costs that would be involved in meeting these limit values.