TOO HIGH? Defending its decision to set the air pollution alert level at AQI 200, the EPA said that setting it too low might make it a public nuisance

Taipei Times
Date: Dec 04, 2018
By: Lin Chia-nan  /  Staff reporter

An air pollution alert system using text messages is being tested and would start running by the end of this month, the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) said yesterday, adding that an alert would only be sent if the air quality index (AQI) exceeds 200.

The agency early last month announced that it would start working with the National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction to text air pollution alerts when a region’s AQI reading exceeds 200, sparking a debate over whether the level is strict enough.

Environmental group Air Clean Taiwan yesterday said that the EPA is ignoring the fatal impact of air pollution on human health by setting such a high level for the alert.

It should send the alert when the AQI exceeds 150, or when the concentration of PM2.5 — particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometers or smaller — exceeds 54.4 micrograms per cubic meter, like South Korea does, the group said, citing advice from Weatherrisk Explore Inc general manager Peng Chi-ming (彭啟明) last month.    [FULL  STORY]