Previous reports by the Expert Panel on Air Quality Standards (EPAQS) have made recommendations to Government on non-occupational ambient air quality standards, with particular reference to the levels of airborne pollutants at which no or minimal effects on human health are likely to occur.

This report differs from previous reports in that the guideline values it recommends are not intended for use in national air pollutant standard setting. Instead, this report forms part of the Panel's current work programme in which it is advising the Environment Agency on some of the priority substances that it is responsible for regulating.

Unlike the pollutants for which EPAQS has set air quality standards, these warrant special consideration for their emissions from a small number of point industrial sources and the guideline values are intended to protect local populations around these sites.

The report is being published in draft to allow expert comment before the Panel reaches its final conclusions. Any technical comments on the report should be sent to the EPAQS Secretariat by Monday 27 June 2005.

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