How Does the EU Regulate Air Pollution?

The European Union is well-known for one thing in particular – introducing regulations protecting people from the dangers related to environmental pollution. As one of the most important legal entities for numerous European countries, it is capable of suggesting, creating and enforcing laws and regulations impacting the environment in the majority of countries on the Old Continent. Here we will focus on a particular area that this agency covers – air pollution. How does the EU regulate air pollution? Find out below!

Table of Contents

• The 6 most important air pollutants regulated by EU
• The takeaway

The 6 most important air pollutants regulated by EU

EU air pollution regulations are based on one particular document – Directive 2008/50/EC. The most crucial information for you, a member of the local government, in this act is the list of EU regulated pollutants – the 6 poor quality air contents along with their maximum acceptable concentrations. So, before you install your air quality sensors, you should get to know this list. What pollutants are there? Let’s see:

• Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) – The first chemical compound that made its way on the list is the Sulphur Dioxide. Being responsible for many respiratory issues, and coming from popular sources, such as power plants and diesel engines, it should not be surprising that it is on the list.
  • Concentration: 350 µg/m3 – averaging period: 1 hour.
  • Concentration: 125 µg/m3 – averaging period: 24 hours.
• Carbon Monoxide (CO) – It is called a “silent killer” for a reason. Carbon Monoxide hinders oxygen transportation in blood cells, thus reducing the amount of oxygen that reaches the heart. As a result, it can cause dizziness, confusion, unconsciousness and in high concentrations even death.
  • Concentration: 10 mg/m3 – Maximum daily 8 hour mean
• Lead (Pb) – Lead is especially dangerous to children, whose development can be hampered even by low lead levels. The compound itself comes from contaminated soils, coal combustion and lead-acid batteries.
  • Concentration: 0.5 µg/m3 – averaging period: 1 year.
• Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) – This particular pollutant has its roots in engines and industrial boilers. It is extremely reactive, thus it can form smog or acid rains, polluting not only air but also water.
  • Concentration: 200 µg/m3 – averaging period: 1 hour.
  • Concentration: 40 µg/m3 – averaging period: 1 year.
• Ozone (O3) – While we want this compound in the ozone layer, we don’t want it near the ground. Breathing ozone leads to various health issues, starting from chest pains and coughing to harming lung tissue. It’s especially dangerous for children, people with asthma and the elderly.
  • Concentration: 0.5 µg/m3 – maximum daily 8 hour mean
• Particulate Matter (PM2.5 & PM10) – The final place on the list of EU regulated pollutants belongs to particulate matter – the combination of solid and liquid small chemical particles that people breathe in. This pollutant is especially dangerous, since it can damage both the respiratory system and the heart.
  • PM2.5: Concentration: 20 µg/m3 – averaging period: 1 year.
  • PM10: Concentration: 50 µg/m3 – averaging period: 24 hours.
  • PM10:Concentration: 40 µg/m3 – averaging period: 1 year.

The takeaway

How does the EU regulate air pollution? By defining the most dangerous pollutants and regulating their acceptable levels. If you need to comply with them in your area, check our solutions for local governments – we can improve the air quality in your region together!

Did you find this article useful? Consider reading: How you and your government can tackle air pollution