New EU Air Quality Regulations

On October 2, 2024, the European Union adopted the revised Ambient Air Quality Directive to accelerate Europe’s transition toward zero pollution by 2050. With this update, the EU introduces clear, strict pollutant limits to better protect human health and ecosystems.

Therefore, the directive now defines precise pollutant thresholds.
Each threshold directly addresses a known health or ecological risk.
The following overview presents the primary regulated pollutants and their updated limits.

1. PM2.5

   Particulate matter up to 2.5 µm in size can quickly enter the lungs and cause serious health issues, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, especially when particles are smaller than 1 µm. These particles often carry other pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides.

   • Permitted limits:
     1 day: 25 µg/m³ (not to be exceeded more than 18 times per year);
     Calendar year: 10 µg/m³.

2. PM10
   

   Particulate matter with a diameter of up to 10 µm is called PM10. It poses a risk to the respiratory system. Larger particles in this class are filtered by the protective barriers in the upper airways (such as nasal hairs and mucus).

   • Permitted limits:
     1 day: 45 µg/m³ (not to be exceeded more than 18 times per year);
     Calendar year: 20 µg/m³.

3. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
   

   Nitrogen Dioxide is a gas that primarily originates from fuel combustion in vehicle engines and industrial sources. It is known to worsen asthma and other respiratory issues.

   • Permitted limits:
     1 hour: 200 µg/m³ (not to be exceeded more than 3 times per year);
     Calendar year: 40 µg/m³.

4. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
   

   Sulfur Dioxide is a harmful gas that can irritate the respiratory tract and contribute to the formation of acid rain.

   • Permitted limits:
     1 hour: 350 µg/m³ (not to be exceeded more than 3 times per year);
     1 day: 125 µg/m³ (not to be exceeded more than 3 times per year).

5. Benzene
   

   Benzene is a carcinogenic substance found in emissions from internal combustion engines and industrial plants.

   • Permitted limit:
     Calendar year: 5 µg/m³.

6. Carbon Monoxide (CO)
   

   Carbon Monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas. But it is life-threatening because it impairs the blood’s ability to carry oxygen.

   • Permitted limit:
     Maximum daily 8-hour mean: 10 mg/m³.

7. Lead (Pb)
   

   Lead is a heavy metal that can severely damage the nervous system, particularly in children.

   • Permitted limit:
     Calendar year: 0.5 µg/m³.

8. Arsenic (As)
   

   Arsenic is a carcinogenic matter. So, it is unhealthy. It is present in trace amounts in the air due to industrial emissions.

   • Permitted limit:
     Calendar year: 6.0 ng/m³.

9. Cadmium (Cd)
   

   Cadmium is a toxic metal. This metal can cause kidney and lung damage.

   • Permitted limit:
     Calendar year: 5.0 ng/m³.

10. Nickel (Ni)
    

    A metal that can cause skin irritation and respiratory problems when inhaled.

    • Permitted limit:
      Calendar year: 20 ng/m³.

11. Benzo(a)pyrene
    

    A pollutant associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, primarily found in emissions from traffic and industry.

    • Permitted limit:
      Calendar year: 1.0 ng/m³.

This new regulation encourages EU member states to enhance their air quality monitoring. But also to improve their reporting systems and implement measures to reduce pollution to safe levels.

Source: Directive of the European Parliament and the Council on Ambient Air Quality and Cleaner Air for Europe (recast), 2024. [Document PE-CONS 88/24].

In this context, it is essential to highlight the importance of clear, reliable information.
As part of its ongoing work, Marquis Intelligence actively follows global air-quality regulations and shares the most relevant updates with the professional community.

In addition, the team at Marquis Intelligence believes that applying best practices and current standards is crucial for ensuring healthier, safer, and more resilient indoor environments.

This text by Marquis Intelligence is part of the series “Air Quality and Ventilation Standards.”
Document number: MI-NewLegislation-003.24 – New EU Air Quality Regulations.