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It is estimated that 4-8 per cent of premature deaths are due to exposure to particulate matter (PM) in outdoor and indoor environments. Studies show that respiratory diseases and other health impacts are on the rise amongst vulnerable groups, poor women and children. Air pollution is an increasing threat to human health and the environment, affecting the quality of life of millions around the globe. The World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) recognised the problem of air pollution and requested States to enhance cooperation to reduce air pollution including transboundary air pollution, acid deposition and ozone depletion.
Nuclear analytical techniques such as NAA, XRF and IBA are unique tools for elemental characterization of airborne PM due to their high sensitivity, simplicity, speed of analysis as well as non-destructive and multi-elemental capabilities. Technical cooperation is an appropriate mechanism to promote regional cooperation and technical exchange to improve decision-making and management of air quality, particularly in those developing areas that are vulnerable to the health impacts of air pollution. The thematic plan for air pollution will seek to answer key scientific, technical and operation questions intended to guide and focus the Agency’s programme on air pollution management to better support Member State plans and programmes to meet the challenges facing air quality in the 21st century.
