This global snapshot provides an overview of air quality standards in India, the United States, China, Europe, Bangladesh, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and South Africa, emphasizing the standards for particulate matter, including PM2.5 and PM10.
High levels of both PM2.5 and PM10 in the air can be harmful to your health, especially when you’re exposed to them over a long time. That’s why there are regulations and guidelines in place to limit the amount of these particles in the air, helping to keep the air cleaner and protect your health.
What are PM2.5 and PM10?
PM2.5 (Particulate Matter 2.5): These are extremely small airborne particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller. They are about 30 times smaller than the width of a human hair. PM2.5 particles can stay suspended in the air for a long time and are small enough to be inhaled deep into your lungs. They can come from sources like vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and even natural sources like dust and pollen.
PM10 (Particulate Matter 10): These are slightly larger particles with a diameter of 10 micrometers or smaller. While they are larger than PM2.5, they are still very small and can also be inhaled into your lungs. PM10 particles come from similar sources as PM2.5, including dust, vehicle emissions, and industrial activities.
World Health Organisation
The World Health Organization (WHO) provides air quality guidelines for particulate matter, including PM2.5 and PM10, which are recognized globally. These WHO guidelines are designed to protect public health and are based on scientific evidence regarding the health effects of exposure to particulate matter. They are intended to help countries set their own air quality standards and regulations that aim to minimize the health risks associated with air pollution.
Here are the WHO air quality guidelines for PM2.5 and PM10:
| Particulate Matter | 24 hr limit (µg/m³) | Annual limit (µg/m³) |
| WHO PM2.5 (µg/m³)* | 15 | 5 |
| WHO PM10 (µg/m³) | 45 | 15 |
* µg/m³ – micrograms per cubic meter
What is the PM2.5 Annual Limit?
The PM2.5 annual limit is the highest amount of tiny particles (PM2.5) allowed in the air during one year. Countries and regions often have their own air quality standards or adopt guidelines set by international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO).
Australia
The air quality standards are set by the National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure, which is a legislative instrument developed by the National Environment Protection Council (NEPC) in Australia.
| Particulate Matter | 24 hr limit (µg/m³) | Annual limit (µg/m³) |
| Australia PM2.5 (µg/m³) | 25 | 8 |
| Australia PM10 (µg/m³) | 50 | 25 |
Canada
Canada has established air quality standards and guidelines, including those for particulate matter (PM2.5). These standards are set by Environment and Climate Change Canada. Here are the air quality standards for PM2.5 in Canada.
| Particulate Matter | 24 hr limit (µg/m³) | Annual limit (µg/m³) |
| Canada PM2.5 (µg/m³) | 27 | 8.8 |
United States
The United States sets National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As per the EPA Report 2024, here are the air quality guidelines for PM2.5 and PM10.
| Particulate Matter | 24 hr limit (µg/m³) | Annual limit (µg/m³) |
| United States PM2.5 (µg/m³) | 35 | 9 |
| United States PM10 (µg/m³) | 150 | – |
Japan
Air quality standards in Japan are established and regulated by the Japanese Ministry of the Environment (MOE), which is responsible for setting environmental policies and regulations in the country.
| Particulate Matter | 24 hr limit (µg/m³) | Annual limit (µg/m³) |
| Japan PM2.5 (µg/m³) | 35 | 15 |
Bangladesh
The standards were set by the Department of Environment (DOE) of the Government of Bangladesh.
| Particulate Matter | 24 hr limit (µg/m³) | Annual limit (µg/m³) |
| Bangladesh PM2.5 (µg/m³) | 65 | 15 |
| Bangladesh PM10 (µg/m³) | 150 | 50 |
United Kingdom
As per the guidelines by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, United Kingdom, Air Quality Standards of PM2.5 and PM10 are as follows.
| Particulate Matter | 24 hr limit (µg/m³) | Annual limit (µg/m³) |
| United Kingdom PM2.5 (µg/m³) | 25 | 20 |
| United Kingdom PM10 (µg/m³) | 50 (more than 35 times in a single year) | 40 |
European Union (Combining Multiple Countries)
The European Union (EU) has established air quality standards that apply to its member states.
| Particulate Matter | 24 hr limit (µg/m³) | Annual limit (µg/m³) |
| EU PM2.5 (µg/m³) | 25 | 10 |
| EU PM10 (µg/m³) | 45 | 20 |
China
The People’s Republic of China has established air quality standards and guidelines for various pollutants. The standards are issued by the Chinese Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE). Here are the air quality standards in China.
| Particulate Matter | 24 hr limit (µg/m³) | Annual limit (µg/m³) |
| China PM2.5 (µg/m³) | 75 | 35 |
| China PM10 (µg/m³) | 150 | 70 |
India
India’s air quality standards are set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). As per the NAAQS (National Ambient Air Quality Standards) report of the year 2019, here are the air quality guidelines for PM2.5 and PM10.
| Particulate Matter | 24 hr limit (µg/m³) | Annual limit (µg/m³) |
| India PM2.5 (µg/m³) | 60 | 40 |
| India PM10 (µg/m³) | 100 | 60 |
PM2.5 Standards of Different Countries
Countries like Australia, Canada, and the USA closely align with WHO recommendations, while the PM2.5 limits in China and India are 7 to 8 times higher than the WHO annual limits.
PM10 Standards of Different Countries
Nations such as the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Australia closely adhere to WHO guidelines. Similarly, China and India exceed WHO annual limits by 4 to 5 times.
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