一般用μg/m3(微克/每立方米)作为单位;也有用PPM(parts per million,百万分率)作为单位。测量的标地为一般常见单一污染物,例如可吸入悬浮粒子、一氧化碳。在不同天气、风向、风速、气温、相对湿度下测量得的各项数值有差异。在周末/工作天、繁忙/非繁忙时段、空气污染高峰时间/平时,所测量得的数值皆有差异。
2018年,香港环保署辖下空气科学与健康专家小组,于去年中修订的健康和经济影响评估方法文件(Methodology Paper for Health and Economic Impact Assessment)显示,若以长期暴露于空气污染物计,微细悬浮粒子(PM2.5)及二氧化氮(NO2)的浓度每增加10微克/立方米,死亡风险会分别升6.2%及3.9%;短期而言,死亡风险亦分别增加0.41%及1.03%[65]。
加拿大
在加拿大,空气污染对健康风险的影响是由空气质量健康指数(Air Quality Health Index)。该健康工具有助于进行决策,减少短期污染物暴露程度,在空气污染物浓度增高时调节活动。
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