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Nitrogen oxide 2010 - Annual limit value for the protection of vegetation
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In the air quality directive (2008/EC/50), the EU has set a critical level for nitrogen oxides (NOx) for the protection of vegetation within the zones designated by member states: the NOx annual mean value may not exceed 30 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m3).
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Particulate matter (PM10), 2010 - Daily limit value for the protection of human health
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In the air quality directive (2008/EC/50), the EU has set two limit values for particulate matter (PM10) for the protection of human health: the PM10 daily mean value may not exceed 50 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m3) more than 35 times in a year and the PM10 annual mean value may not exceed 40 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m3). In some areas time extensions have been granted by DG Environment for meeting these limit values. Information about time extensions is provided by DG Environment at: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/air/quality/legislation/time_extensions.htm
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Ozone 2010 - Target value for the protection of vegetation
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In the air quality directive (2008/EC/50), the EU has set a target value and a long term objective value for ozone (O3) for the protection of vegetation. Target value: the AOT40 may not exceed 18000 (µg/m3) per hour in the period from 1 May to 31 July averaged over five years. Long term objective value: the AOT40 may not exceed 6000 (µg/m3) per hour in the period from 1 May to 31 July within a calendar year.
AOT40 (expressed in (μg/m3) ∙ hours) means the sum of the difference between hourly concentrations greater than
80 μg/m3 (= 40 parts per billion) and 80 μg/m3 over a given period using only the one-hour values measured
between 8.00 and 20.00 Central European Time (CET) each day. More information is provided in Annex VII of directive (2008/EC/50).
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Nitrogen dioxide 2010 - Hourly limit value for the protection of human health
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In the air quality directive (2008/EC/50), the EU has set two limit values for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) for the protection of human health: the NO2 hourly mean value may not exceed 200 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m3) more than 18 times in a year and the NO2 annual mean value may not exceed 40 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m3). These limit values come into force for concentrations measured from 1.1.2010 so during 2009 a margin of tolerance equal to an annual mean value of 42 micrograms per cubic metre (μg/m3) is still in place
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Sulphur dioxide 2010 - Hourly limit value for the protection of human health
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In the air quality directive (2008/EC/50) the EU has set two limit values for sulphur dioxide (SO2) for the protection of human health: the SO2 hourly mean value may not exceed 350 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m3) more than 24 times in a year and the SO2 daily mean value may not exceed 125 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m3) more than 3 times in a year.
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Benzo(a)pyrene 2010 - Annual target value for the protection of human health
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In the directive 2004/107/EC (Fourth Daughter Directive), the EU has set a target value for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) for the protection of human health; the target is defined in terms of concentration of benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) which is used as a marker substance for PAHs generally: the BaP annual mean value may not exceed 1 nanogram per cubic metre (ng/m3). The target value enters into force 31.12.2012.
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Nickel 2010 - Annual target value for the protection of human health
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In the directive 2004/107/EC (Fourth Daughter Directive), the EU has set a target value for nickel (Ni) for the protection of human health: the Ni annual mean value may not exceed 20 nanograms per cubic metre (ng/m3). The target value enters into force 31.12.2012.
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Ozone 2010 - 8 hour mean target value for the protection of human health
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In the air quality directive (2008/EC/50), the EU has set a target value and a long term objective value for ozone (O3) for the protection of human health. Target value: the maximum daily eight-hour mean may not exceed 120 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m3) on more than 25 days per calendar year averaged over three years. Long term objective value: the maximum daily eight-hour mean may not exceed 120 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m3) within a calendar year.
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PM2.5 2010 - Annual target value for the protection of human health
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In the air quality directive (2008/EC/50), the EU has set a target value for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) for the protection of human health: the PM2.5 annual mean value may not exceed 25 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m3).
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Benzene 2010 - Annual limit value for the protection of human health
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In the air quality directive (2008/EC/50), the EU has set a limit value for benzene (C6H6) for the protection of human health: the annual mean value may not exceed 5 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m3). The limit value comes into effect for data measured from 1 January 2010. During 2009 a margin of tolerance was in place so the annual mean should not exceed 6 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m3).
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