September 13, 2023
The Health Effects Institute (HEI) recognizes the outcome of today’s vote from the European Parliament on the revision of the Ambient Air Quality Directive (AAQD), which has remained unchanged since 2008. In particular, the proposed new annual limit values of 10 µg/m3 for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and 20 µg/m3 for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) across the EU by 2030 and the full alignment with the World Health Organization (WHO) Air Quality Guidelines by 2035 will provide important benefits to public health. The proposal is under consideration in the EU council, and final negotiations are expected in the next several months.
