Urban air pollution 1973-1980

Air pollution is a major environmental problem in most large cities today. The monitoring of air quality is an important first step in controlling air pollution. This publication is an analysis of all the data collected between 1973 and 1980 in a joint WHO/UNEP air quality monitoring project. It provides an overview of the global air pollution situation and a detailed study of the significance of the atmospheric concentrations of sulfurdioxide, suspended particulate matter, and smoke since the beginning of the project. In-depth analyses of selected urban situations and global trends in air pollution are also included. These analyses will be useful for national public health and other municipal authorities and for planners wishing to reduce pollution levels in urban areas.