Air Toxics NEPM

Air toxics include the following general categories of compounds: volatile and semi volatile organic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals and aldehydes.

There is a growing international recognition of the potential health risks associated with exposure to air toxics.

The NEPC made the Air Toxics NEPM in 2004. The purpose of the Air Toxics NEPM is to improve the information base regarding ambient air toxics within the Australian environment in order to facilitate the development of standards

Mid-term review of the Air Toxics NEPM

In November 2009, NEPC initiated the mid-term review of the Air Toxics NEPM. The review focussed on progress on the implementation of the NEPM, what the data are revealing about concentrations of these pollutants in ambient air and what changes, if any, are required to the NEPM. The review found that there has been an increase in available data on air toxics in Australia and that a minor variation to the NEPM to enable greater flexibility in monitoring would assist jurisdictions in the implementation of the NEPM. A review report with recommendations for a minor variation to the NEPM has been prepared for consideration by Council.  NEPC released the report for publishing on the EPHC website at its meeting in July 2010.