Air Quality in Morocco: What Interim Targets to adopt from the World Health Organization Air Quality Guidelines 2021? A Nationwide Analysis

¹ Geosciences, Environment and Geomatic Laboratory, Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco
² High Institute of Nursing Professions and Technical Health, Agadir, Morocco
³ Department of Geography, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra, Morocco
⁴ High Institute of Nursing Professions and Technical Health, Marrakech, Morocco
⁵ Laboratory of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics (LBCGM), Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University Ibn Zohr, Agadir, Morocco
⁶ Research Laboratory of Innovation in Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco
⁷ Laboratory of Biostatistics, Clinical Research and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohamed V University, Rabat, Morocco

^* Youssef Bouchriti : bouchriti.y.ege@gmail.com

Abstract

A significant evidence base of epidemiological and toxicological studies has established a association between exposure to air pollution and adverse effects on human health. The World Health Organization (WHO) has updated its global air quality guidelines (AQG 2021). Compared to 2005, the guidelines are stricter for particulate matter (PM), ozone (O₃), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and sulphur dioxide (SO₂). These guidelines recommend that annual average concentrations of PM_2.5, NO₂ and O₃ should not exceed 5 µg/m3, 10 µg/m3 and 60 µg/m3 respectively. There is a growing body of evidence that shows that air pollution has negative effects at low and high exposures. This is reflected in the WHO AQG 2021. Air pollution is a concern to human health in all countries, but it has the greatest impact in low- and middle-income countries. The AQGs, as stated by WHO, are not legally obligatory; nonetheless, they can serve as a reference for policymakers in many countries, including Morocco, in order to influence laws, policies, and strategies to control air pollution and minimize its health burden. The responses from our country have been helpful, but they still need to be improved. Moroccan limit values established in 2010 are currently above than the WHO AQG 2021. The publication of the WHO AQG 2021 will certainly generate additional discussion. Further research and debate will be required to find a compromise between the ideal target value and Morocco's practical feasibility. This paper suggests the interim targets that Morocco should implement.