Ñ. Overview of European Union Ambient Air Quality Standards
Assessing and managing the health risks associated with outdoor air pollution within the European Union is a multifaceted endeavour. It necessitates the consideration of an array of pollutants, varying exposure levels, and potential health consequences. Moreover, the intricate interplay of cultural habits, lifestyles, and climate, along with the varying susceptibility of different segments of the population, adds complexity to the task. Vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly are particularly pertinent in this context133.
Within the European Union, a framework for ambient air quality standards and objectives has been established. These standards, designed to safeguard public health and the environment, encompass different periods of time in recognition of the diverse health impacts associated with various pollutants and exposure durations, in line with World Health Organisation guidelines. Underpinning European law is the concept of binding limit values, which take effect upon enactment and are subject to defined permitted exceedances. On the other hand, target values reflect an obligation to implement measures that lead to their attainment without imposing disproportionate costs, resulting in a comparatively less stringent framework134.
Notably, Directive 2008/50/EC introduces a pivotal component in the form of PM2.5 objectives. These objectives are specifically aimed at regulating the exposure of the population to fine particulate matter, denoted as PM2.5. Operating at the national level, these objectives are formulated using an Average Exposure Indicator (AEI), which involves assessing the 3-year running annual mean PM2.5 concentration across chosen monitoring stations within agglomerations and larger urban areas. This strategic approach, set in urban background locations, optimally evaluates the PM2.5 exposure experienced by the general population135.
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References
133 Directorate General for Health and Consumer Affairs, “Indoor Air Quality,” the European Commission, 2008. Available online: https://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/opinions_layman/en/indoor-air-pollution/l-2/5-pollutant-mixtures.htm#0
134 The European Commission, “The EU Air Standards,” the European Commission, 2020. Available online: https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/air/air-quality/eu-air-quality-standards_en
135 The European Commission, “The EU Air Standards,” the European Commission, 2020. Available online: https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/air/air-quality/eu-air-quality-standards_en