Which statement about air quality standards is true?

The statement that air quality standards are established to protect human health and the environment is true because these standards are developed with the primary goal of maintaining and improving air quality to ensure public health and safeguard ecological systems. Regulatory bodies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States, set these standards based on scientific research that assesses the health impacts of various pollutants, as well as the need to prevent environmental degradation.

Establishing air quality standards involves comprehensive studies that evaluate how air pollution affects vulnerable populations, including children and those with pre-existing health conditions. The standards are designed to limit exposure to harmful pollutants, thereby reducing the risk of respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and other health problems associated with poor air quality. Additionally, by protecting the environment, these standards aim to preserve biodiversity, protect ecosystems, and contribute to overall environmental sustainability.

In contrast, economic considerations and variations between countries may play a role in how these standards are implemented, but they are not the foundation upon which the standards are established. Moreover, air quality standards are crucial for guiding industrial regulations, challenging the notion that they have no impact on such regulations. Overall, the establishment of these standards is fundamentally rooted in health and environmental protection.