Brussels, 24/09/2012 (Agence Europe) - A third of citizens of the European Union are exposed to excessive concentrations of fine particles in the air, which are particularly harmful to human health, according to a report published on Monday 24 September by the European Environment Agency (EEA). With preparations under way for the re-examination of the EU's legislation on air quality (see EUROPE 10644), this alarming study adds grist to the mill of the European Commission, which is convinced of the urgent need to act for cleaner air.
“I want 2013 to be the Year of Air and why I will focus on strengthening our air quality laws to tackle the problems identified today”, said Janez Potocnik, Commissioner for the Environment. Jacqueline McGlade, executive director of the EEA, adds that “in many countries, air pollutant concentrations are still above the legal and recommended limits that are set to protect the health of European citizens”. This leads to a reduction of “human life expectancy by around two years in the most polluted cities and regions”.
This report on the quality of air in Europe reveals that in 2010, 21% of the urban population was exposed to concentrations of PM10 higher than the most stringent daily EU value limit. Up to 30% of this population was exposed to concentrations of PM25 - the finest particles which penetrate the lungs - above the (less stringent) annual limit values of the EU. However, according to the reference levels of the WHO, which are more stringent than those laid down by European legislation, it would be 81% and 95% respectively of citizens exposed to particle concentrations exceeding the reference values laid down for the protection of human health.
Additionally, 17% of citizens were exposed to concentrations of ozone above the limit value, and 7% were exposed to concentrations of nitrogen dioxide above the EU limits. Between 2008 and 2010, between 20% and 29% of citizens were exposed to concentrations of benzo(a)pyrene (Bap) - a carcinogen - above the target value in 2013.
As regards sulphur dioxide (SO2), on the other hand, 2010 was the first year in which the urban population was not exposed to concentrations in the air above the target limit in force in the EU - notable progress, which is very much due to the EU legislation which requires the use of emissions purification technologies and a reduction of sulphur content in fuel. (AN/transl.fl)