Brazil: Air Quality Standards

Overview

 * Standard type: Ambient air quality standards
 * Regulating body: National Environment Council (CONAMA)
 * Current standard: Standards for seven pollutants, found in Federal CONAMA Resolution No. 003/90
 * Applicability: Nationwide

History
Ambient air quality policies are created by the National Environment Council (Conselho Nacional do Meio Ambiente or CONAMA), the core agency of Brazil’s National Environment System (SISNAMA). Passed in August 1990, federal CONAMA Resolution No. 005/89 established a National Air Quality Program (PRONAR). The passing of Federal CONAMA Resolution No. 003/90 established air quality standards, sampling methods, and quality levels.

National air quality limits are only to be used in absence of local ambient air quality standards. Within CONAMA Resolution 003/90, primary standards mark the limit of concentrations at which human health would be impacted. Secondary standards are concentrations, which if not exceeded, cause the minimum adverse impact on human health, flora and fauna, materials, and the general environment. Primary standards are applicable until states designate Air Quality Classes within their territory.

Technical Standards
Brazil maintains standards for the following pollutants: Total Suspended Particles (TSP); Smoke; Inhalable Particles; Sulfur Dixiode (SO2); Carbon Monoxide (CO); Ozone (O3); and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2).

Regulatory Documents
National Air Program, Resolution No. 005/89

Air Quality Standards, Resolution No. 003/90