What is the primary concern when measuring ambient air quality standards for harmful gases?

The primary concern when measuring ambient air quality standards for harmful gases is the health effects on human populations. This focus is essential because exposure to harmful air pollutants can lead to a variety of adverse health outcomes in humans. These include respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and even long-term effects like cancer. Regulatory agencies set ambient air quality standards primarily to protect public health by minimizing exposure to these harmful substances in the air we breathe.

While impact on wildlife, soil contamination, and water quality are also significant environmental concerns, they are secondary to the primary mission of air quality regulations, which is to safeguard human health. Maintaining air quality is crucial for ensuring that populations are not exposed to toxic levels of gases and particles, which is why human health is at the forefront of air quality standards.