Deadlines for compliance with the limit values

EU AMBIENT AIR QUALITY DIRECTIVE

On 21 May 2008, the revised Directive 2008/50/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe came into force. The Directive sets limit values for the concentration of pollutants in the ambient air in regard to nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5), sulphur dioxide (SO2), benzene, carbon monoxide and lead. It also describes the measures to be taken if these are exceeded. The Member States are required to incorporate the Directive into national law. Since 01 January 2005, the applicable daily limit value for PM10 of 50 µg/m3 may not be exceeded more than 35 times per year. For even smaller PM2.5 particles, a Europe-wide annual average target value of 25 µg/m3 has applied since 2008, compliance with which has been compulsory since 01 January 2015. From 01 January 2020, the PM2.5 annual mean values will no longer be allowed to exceed a value of 20 µg/m3. Since 01 January 2010, an annual average limit value of 40 µg/m3 has applied for NO2.

Further information on air pollutants and limits can be found in u brochure "Can you breathe?"

Brochure "Can you breathe?"

NATIONAL EMISSION REDUCTION COMMITMENTS (NERC)

Since 31 December 2016, the EU Directive on the reduction of national emissions of certain pollutants (2016/2284) (abbreviated to: NEC Directive) has been in force. It regulates the emission of the harmful air pollutants sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), ammonia (NH3), non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The Directive sets reduction targets for 2020 and 2030. In order to achieve these targets, among others things, greater efforts are required to implement the energy transition and the reduction of ammonia emissions from agriculture. The EU Member States must establish, adopt and implement national clean air programmes as well as regularly monitor pollutant emissions and prepare reports on their development. The new directive aims to contribute to reaching air quality levels in the EU that do not pose any threat to citizens. In addition to this, it is intended to contribute to the protection of biodiversity and ecosystems."


Ein Projekt von
Partner: Deutsche Umwelthilfe
Partner: Frank Bold
Finanziert durch
Partner: Life

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