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Air

Approximately 20 m3 of air are inhaled daily by each human being. The quality of this air may vary significantly. Polluters, such as e.g., industry, households, or traffic, load the air with a large variety of substances, especially in densely populated areas.

The LUA monitors in NRW the dispersion of these air pollutants from the source (emissions) to the pollution concentrations affecting humans, animals, plants, and materials (immissions). The air quality is determined by measurements (immission and emission measurements) and its potential impact on humans and nature are assessed. The results are bundled in immission, emission, and impact registers. Furthermore, these evaluations may lead to the implementation of clean air plans. Emission ceilings and immission limit values are mandatory by legislation. The observation network of the LUA monitors their compliance.

      North Rhine-Westphalia State Environment Agency 2006