Questions and Answers on the new directive on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe

- What is the issue?

Air pollution is caused by the emission to the atmosphere of certain substances which, alone or through chemical reaction, can damage human health and/or the environment.

Air pollution is both a local and a transboundary problem as emissions from one country can travel large distances in the atmosphere and cause adverse effects in other countries.

The single pollutants causing most damage to ecosystems, human health and materials are nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur dioxide (SO2), ammonia (NH3), ground level ozone and airborne fine dust, known as particulate matter (PM). Ground-level ozone and particulate matter are the pollutants that cause most damage to human health. Ozone is not emitted directly but is formed through the reaction of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunshine. Fine dust can be emitted directly to the air (primary particles) or can be formed in the atmosphere by certain gases (secondary particles) such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and ammonia.

- What harmful impact does air pollution have?

Human health. Air pollution has impacts on human health ranging from minor effects on the respiratory system to reduced lung function, asthma, chronic bronchitis and reduced life expectancy. Air pollution in the European Union, notably from fine particulate matter and ground-level ozone, causes the premature death of almost 370,000 citizens every year, reducing average life expectancy by an average of 9 months.

Acidification. Acid deposits caused by emissions of SO2, NOx and ammonia can damage forests, rivers, lakes and other ecosystems and also materials such as buildings and historical sites.

Eutrophication. Eutrophication is an excess input of nitrogen nutrients (nitrogen oxides and ammonia) which disturbs the structure and function of land-based and aquatic ecosystems. Excess nitrogen in terrestrial ecosystems can lead to a loss of biodiversity and nitrogen leaching into water courses.

Material damage. Buildings, including historical sites, are damaged by acidification and particulates.

- How is the EU tackling air pollution?

There are a number of EU laws that regulate air pollution:

The Air Quality Framework Directive and its four daughter directives.[1] These laws set concentration limit values or target values for a range of air pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter (PM10), carbon monoxide, ozone, benzene, lead, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons. These laws require the monitoring of a number of air pollutants. If monitoring shows that the target values are exceeded Member States are obliged to set up, implement and report on abatement plans. The set of laws has been developed over time in response to emerging scientific knowledge. Some of the limit values have already entered into force - such as those on particulate matter - while others will only come into effect in 2010 (e.g. nitrogen dioxide).

The National Emission Ceilings Directive[2] sets national emission ceilings for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ammonia and volatile organic compounds which must be achieved by 2010 through EU wide and national measures. The ceilings are reviewed periodically, with the next review foreseen for 2006.

Sectoral emission laws. A number of EU laws control emissions from different sources, including vehicles (EURO 1-6 passenger cars, EURO I-V) and non-road machinery, large combustion plants and industrial processes (the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Directive), the use of solvents and solvent-containing products and the sulphur content of liquid fuels.

EU Member States systematically exchange information on most effective abatement measures and coordinate their efforts in tackling transboundary air pollution. European Union funds can also be used to fight air pollution and in recent years significant EU research efforts have been conducted in this area.

- Why is a new air quality directive needed and what are its main elements?

The Thematic strategy on air pollution (see below) emphasised the need to introduce new objectives for fine particles PM2.5. Experience with the implementation of regulations on other pollutants - such as particulate matter PM10 and nitrogen dioxide - has shown how important greater flexibility is in achieving environmental standards.

By merging and streamlining 4 directives and a Council decision in a single legal text and modernising reporting provisions, the proposal is in line with the Commission’s initiative on better regulation.