The European environment – state and outlook 2010

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Particulate matter (PM10), 2010 - Daily limit value for the protection of human health: 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
Located in Data and maps › Maps and graphs
Exceedance of air quality limit values in urban areas (CSI 004) - Assessment published Nov 2012: Particulate Matter (PM 10 ) In the period 2001-2010, 18-41 % of the urban population in EU-27 was potentially exposed to ambient concentrations of particulate matter (PM 10 ) in excess of the EU limit value set for the protection of human health (50 microgram/m 3 daily mean not to be exceeded more than 35 days a calendar year); (Figure 1). Nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) In the period 2001-2010, 6-27 % of the urban population in EU-27 was potentially exposed to ambient nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) concentrations above the EU limit value set for the protection of human health (40 microgram NO 2 /m 3 annual mean). There was a slight downwards trend over the period (Figure 1) Ozone (O 3 ) In the period 2001-2010, 15-61 % of the urban population in EU-27 was exposed to ambient ozone concentrations exceeding the EU target value set for the protection of human health (120 microgram O 3 /m 3 daily maximum 8-hourly average, not to be exceeded more than 25 times a calendar year, averaged over three years and to be achieved where possible by 2010). The 61 % of the urban population exposed to ambient ozone concentrations over the EU target value was recorded in 2003, which was the record year. There was no discernible trend over the period (Figure 1). Sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ) In the period 2001-2010, the fraction of the urban population in EU-27 that is potentially exposed to ambient concentrations of sulphur dioxide in excess of the EU limit value set for the protection of human health (125 microgram SO 2 /m 3 daily mean not to be exceeded more than three days a year), decreased to less than 1 %, and as such the EU limit value set is close to being met everywhere in the urban background (Figure 1).
Located in Data and maps › Indicators › Exceedance of air quality limit values in urban areas
Percentage of urban population resident in areas where pollutant concentrations are higher than selected limit/target values, 1997-2009 (EU-27): The rationale for selection of pollutant and corresponding limit/target values for CSI 004 is given in the justification for indicator selection. Only urban and sub-urban background monitoring stations have been included in the calculations. Data for Cyprus, Luxembourg and Malta, are not included due to the geographical coverage of the Urban Audit.
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Europe's environment — The fourth assessment: Located in Publications
Europe's environment — The fourth assessment. Executive summary: Located in Publications
The pan-European environment: glimpses into an uncertain future: Located in Publications
Environment and health: Located in Publications