PM2.5 Particles According to the New Air Protection Law

In June 2025, a new Law on Air Protection was adopted in Serbia (the “Official Gazette of RS”, No. 51/2025). Although Article 6 explicitly states that PM₂.₅ particles must be measured as a mandatory parameter, it is essential to note that this obligation is not new – it was already defined in the previous law (Article 8, “Official Gazette of RS”, Nos. 36/2009 and 10/2013). We want to extend our special thanks to Mr. Dejan Lekić for bringing this to our attention. In other words, the new law merely reaffirms an existing obligation rather than introducing a new one.

What Are PM2.5 Particles and Why Are They Dangerous?

PM2.5 particles (with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers) are the most dangerous form of suspended particles in the air. Due to their tiny size, they can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. PM2.5 particles often carry toxic substances, including nitrogen oxides (NO, NO₂), heavy metals, organic compounds, and even microorganisms. These particles not only worsen respiratory diseases but are also linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular and neurological disorders. In terms of keywords, it is clear that PM2.5 particles, PM2.5 limit values, and the impact of pollution on health are highly relevant for SEO optimization.

What Does the New Law Prescribe Regarding PM2.5?

The new Air Protection Law includes PM2.5 particles in the following articles:

• Article 6:
  Five particles are listed as mandatory pollutants to be measured.
• Article 7:
  Defines air quality categories, including PM2.5.
• Article 18:
  States that the Government of the Republic of Serbia, upon the proposal of the Ministry of Environmental Protection, adopts by-laws (regulations) that determine numerical limit values for pollutants, including PM2.5.

Therefore, although the law designates PM2.5 as a mandatory substance to be measured, it does not directly prescribe a limit value. The setting of limit values is left to the bylaws.

We have already written about the issue of odor, which was omitted from the new Air Protection Law.

>>SEE ALSO: New Law on Air Protection – Odors

How Does the World Regulate PM2.5 Particles?

Given the harmful effects they cause, the question is: how do different countries set PM2.5 limit values? Compared to other countries and international recommendations, Serbia still uses the highest limit value. Here’s a comparative overview:

• 10 µg/m³ – EU
• 9 µg/m³ – USA (EPA recommendations)
• 8 µg/m³ – Australia (NEPM – National Environment Protection Measure)
• 5 µg/m³ – World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation

>>SEE ALSO: Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, USA reduces the permissible concentration of harmful particles in the air with a new standard
>>SEE ALSO: New EU Air Quality Regulations

What About Serbia?

The current limit value for PM2.5 in Serbia is 25 µg/m³.
This value is defined in the Regulation on Monitoring Conditions and Air Quality Requirements (“Official Gazette RS,” No. 11/2010, with amendments). Specifically, Article 4 lists target and limit values for various pollutants and prescribes these limits. This regulation remains in effect and has not been amended in light of the new law.

Thus, Serbia allows a PM2.5 concentration that is five times higher than the WHO recommendation.

Do PM2.5 Particles Affect Our Health?

Exposure to fine PM2.5 particles poses a significant health risk—not only for respiratory and cardiovascular diseases but also for neurodegenerative disorders.

According to statistical data from the World Health Organization presented at the webinar “Toxic air is fueling NCDs. Why are we not taking action?”, PM2.5 particles increase the risk of a wide range of diseases.

Health risks associated with every 10 µg/m³ increase in PM2.5 exposure:

• Childhood asthma – 34% increased risk (10%–63%)
• Hypertension – 17% increased risk (5%–30%)
• Stroke – 16% increased risk (12%–20%)
• COPD – 16% increased risk (13%–23%)
• Myocardial infarction – 13% increased risk (5%–22%)
• Type 2 diabetes – 10% increased risk (3%–18%)

Under everyday conditions, breathing near a busy roadway results in inhaling about 3 million particles per breath, according to WHO data. This fact further underscores the urgency of introducing stricter standards and protective measures.

>>SEE ALSO: Air Pollution Increases Cancer Risk – New Scientific Findings
>>SEE ALSO: How PM2.5 Particles Threaten Heart Health

Conclusion

• The new law introduces PM2.5 as a mandatory measurement parameter,
• Limit values remain defined by the previous regulation (25 µg/m³),
• The existing practice continues, but now with a clearer legal basis,
• 5 must be a priority in health and environmental policy due to the risks it poses to the brain, heart, and lungs.

According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, people are primarily exposed to outdoor air pollution indoors. Air knows no borders, and pollution does not ask permission to enter your home.

Marquis Intelligence offers a solution for those who recognize this as a vital priority for their family’s health.

Acknowledgment:
The Marquis Intelligence team extends special thanks to Dejan Lekić for pointing out the legal inaccuracy in the previous version of this article. Thanks to his expertise and attention to detail, the current version more accurately reflects the legal framework and provides readers with well-founded information.

References:

• • Air Protection Law (“Official Gazette RS,” No. 51/2025): link
  • Regulation on Monitoring Conditions and Air Quality Requirements (The “Official Gazette RS,” No. 11/2010): link
  • EPA – Environmental Protection Agency (USA): https://www.epa.gov
  • WHO – World Health Organization: https://www.who.int

This text by Marquis Intelligence is part of the series “Air Quality and Ventilation Standards.”
Document number: MI-NewLegislation-005.25 – PM2.5 Particles According to the New Air Protection Law.