Memo: Questions and Answers on new EU limits for air pollution

Already in 1999, an EU Directive set limit values for five important air pollutants, including particulate matter (PM10) - small airborne particles that can enter our lungs, damage their function and thus increase the risk of illness, in particular heart attacks. As of 1 January 2005, the limit values for PM10 have been fully in force. This means concretely that Member States must ensure that the air in their country is in conformity with the limit values of the Directive.