Air pollution

Distance-to-target graphs for the ozone target threshold for protection of human health (top) and protection of crops (middle) and forests (bottom), in 2010

The graphs show the percentage frequency distribution of the 26th highest daily maximum of the running 8h-mean O3 concentrations for the various types of stations (top); AOT40 concentrations measured in rural stations in the EU for the protection of vegetation (accumulated over May to July) (middle) and for the protection of forests (accumulated over April to September) (bottom).

Distance-to-target graphs for daily limit value of PM10 (top) and for annual target value of PM2.5 (bottom), 2010

The graphs show the percentage frequency distribution of stations (on y-the axis) in the EU Member States versus the various concentration classes (on the x-axis, in µg/m3). Vertical lines correspond to target or limit values set by the EU legislation.

Attainment situation for BaP, 2010

The graphs are based on the annual mean concentration values. They present the range of concentrations at all station types (in ng/m3) officially reported by the EU Member States and how the concentrations relate to the target value set by EU legislation (marked by the red line). The diagram indicates the lowest and highest observations, the means and the lower and upper quartiles. The lower quartile splits the lowest 25 % of the data and the upper quartile splits the highest 25 % of the data. Based on a minimum of 15 % data coverage.

Trend in annual mean CO concentrations (2001–2010) per station type

All stations in EU Member States, with at least 75 % data coverage for at least eight years were included in the analysis. Concentrations per station type are given in mg/m3. In the diagram a geographical bias exists towards central Europe where there is a higher density of stations

Trend in average annual mean C6H6 concentrations

All stations in EU Member States, with at least 75 % data coverage for at least eight years were included in the analysis. Concentrations per station type are given in μg/m3. In the diagram a geographical bias exists towards central Europe where there is a higher density of stations.

Proportion (%) of HM and BaP measuring stations where the sample uses the PM10 particle size fraction in the EU Member States

All operational stations (defined as having data coverage of more than 0 %). 'Other' may include aerosol (undefined size), TSP, PM2.5.

Measurement methods used for PM10, PM2.5, O3, NO2, SO2 and CO

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Ozone AOT40 for forest, 2006

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PM10 annual average, 2006

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PM10 annual average, 2007

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PM10 annual average, 2008

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PM10 annual average, 2009

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Ozone 26th highest maximum 8-hour daily value, 2006

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Ozone 26th highest maximum 8-hour daily value, 2007

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Ozone 26th highest maximum 8-hour daily value, 2008

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Ozone 26th highest maximum 8-hour daily value, 2009

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PM10 36th highest daily value, 2006

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PM10 36th highest daily value, 2007

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PM10 36th highest daily value, 2008

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PM10 36th highest daily value, 2009

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Ozone SOMO35, 2006

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Ozone SOMO35, 2007

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Ozone SOMO35, 2008

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Ozone SOMO35, 2009

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NOx annual average, 2006

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PM2.5 annual average, 2007

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PM2.5 annual average, 2008

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Sulphur dioxide 2010 - Hourly limit value for the protection of human health

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.

Nitrogen dioxide 2010 - Annual limit values for the protection of human health

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.

Sulphur dioxide 2010 - Annual limit value for the protection of ecosystems

In the air quality directive (2008/EC/50), the EU has set two limit values for sulphur dioxide (SO2) for the protection of vegetation within the zones designated by member states: the SO2 annual mean value may not exceed 20 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m3) and the SO2 mean value for the winter period (1 October to 31 March) may not exceed 20 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m3).