Standards for air pollution particles linked to lung cancer and restricted lung growth could be set at levels beyond those recommended by the World Health Organisation, doctors and community groups fear.

The concerns come as federal and state environment ministers meet on Tuesday to decide on controls around air pollution in Australia, including a new National Clean Air Agreement.

The Agreement will outline methods for improving air quality, addressing limits for coarse-particle (PM10) and fine-particle (PM2.5) pollution, through action between government and industry.

Tuesday's meeting on air pollution will mainly surround limits for PM10, which are associated with lung cancer in non-smokers and restricted lung growth in children.