INCREASE in the number of cases of cardio-respiratory disorders, asthma and other breathing problems has prompted the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment to decide on Canada-wide standards to enhance air quality. The government has asked the provincial and territorial environment ministers to set standards for the excepted levels of benzene, mercury and fine particulate matter in the air.

The council has decided to accelerate the rate of reduction of ground level ozone and a target of 65 parts per billion has been set for 2010. Earlier, this level was expected to be achieved by 2015.

The new particulate matter and ozone standards are expected to prevent 1,200 premature deaths and the government plans to push down the levels of particulate matter as low as possible.

The authorities plan to sign an agreement with the us this year for maintaining the air quality.