Particle pollution, called particulate matter or PM10, is a combination of fine solids and aerosols that are suspended in the air we breathe. It reaches the lungs because the filter effects of the respiratory system do not work for particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter. The smaller the particles, the deeper they can penetrate the lungs.
As a result of exposure to PM, the life expectancy of the EU population can be reduced by one year. Particle pollution causes the following health effects:
- Increase in allergy symptoms
- Increase in asthma attacks
- Respiratory diseases and lung cancer (because of cigarette smoke)
- Increased risk of children getting otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear)
- Cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart attack)
In Europe on 22 April 1999, the air quality directive 1999/30/EG was implemented by the EU Council. The air quality directive sets limits for concentrations of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, nitrogen oxide, particulate matter and lead in the air. The following concentration limits were set:
Beginning 1 January 2005, the limit value for PM10 is set to 50 µg/m³ (with 35 allowed transgressions per year). In Austria between 1 January 2005, and 31 December 2009, only 30 transgressions are allowed per year. From 2005 onwards the annual limit value for PM10 will be 40 µg/m³.