Air quality

Description

Since the 1970s air-quality indices have been used in several of the world's cities. Their main aim is to inform the non-specialist public about atmospheric pollution. In France, the ATMO index has existed since 1995. Its practical use was made official by a decree in March, 2000.
This document provides the results of an original comparative study of 30 air-quality indices used in the world'a This analytical approach has led the authors to consider the major aspects of atmospheric pollution management in urban areas. A detailed exploration of the ATMO index is given, providing readers with a look at the complexity of the systems for monitoring ambient air.
And finally, the authors turn their attention to the designers of air-quality indices by proposing a methodology for elaborating an index according to the desired objectives of communication.