Comparative study of environmental regulations in Latin America.

Air quality regulations describe the quality level enforced by the regulating authority. These regulations have been established as an attempt to reduce and control the negative impact of air pollution upon the environment and human health. They are based upon the concentration levels of pollutants that are considered non-hazardous for each individual, including the more vulnerable population like children and the elderly. This study presents an analysis of current environmental regulations for permitted PTS, PM10, PM2.5, CO, NO2, SO2, and O3 concentration levels in thirteen Latin-American countries (LACs), and their comparison with similar regulations established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Most LACs reproduce US EPA standards, regardless of their specific regional circumstances; however, they do not update these standards at the frequency the US EPA does. Few regulations follow WHO recommendations. Concerns are raised regarding LACs capabilities to effectively monitor air quality and enforce compliance.