Airborne particulate matter affects human health

Particulate Matter (PM) is an air pollutant consisting of a mixture of solid and liquid particles suspended in the air. Different names are being used for types or fractions of particulate matter, defined either by particle size or by sampling method. The most commonly used names include: TSP (total suspended particulates), PM10, PM2.5, coarse particles, fine particles, ultrafine particles, BS (black smoke) and BC (black carbon). In general, smaller particles (PM10 and smaller) are more important for health effects than larger particles since they penetrate deeper into the lungs.

PM10 concentrations are higher in Southern and Eastern Europe

Annual mean concentrations of PM10 differ between European countries with, in general, lower concentrations in the Northern European countries and higher levels in some Southern as well as some Eastern European countries. In terms of exposure almost 90% of people in European cities where PM10 is monitored are exposed to levels exceeding the WHO air quality guideline (AQG) of 20 ug/m3, implying a substantial risk for health. For 14% of the people, the EU limit value of 40 ug/m3 is exceeded.

PM10 exposure causes a multitude of health effects

The WHO concluded that there is a causal relationship between PM exposure and adverse health effects. The present information shows that fine particles are strongly associated with mortality, especially premature death in people with heart or lung disease. Other endpoints associated with PM exposure include hospitalization for cardio-pulmonary disease, increased respiratory symptoms, such as irritation of the airways, coughing, difficulties in breathing, decreased lung function, aggravated asthma, development of chronic bronchitis, irregular heartbeat and non-fatal heart attacks. The risk of suffering adverse health effects has been shown to increase with exposure and there is little evidence for a threshold below which no adverse health effects would be anticipated.

EU strategies will reduce adverse health effects

There is sufficient evidence to indicate that reducing emissions of major air pollutants leads to reduced levels of particulate air pollution, population exposure and adverse health effects. In October 2007 the European Commission proposed an ambitious strategy for achieving further significant improvements in air quality across Europe. On April 14, 2008, the European Council adopted a directive aiming at improving ambient air quality across Europe.

The directive is published in the EU's Official Journal in May 2008 alongside a Commission declaration on progress in developing and adopting further measures that address emissions from various sources.