Recoge: 1. Introduction - 2. Development of air pollution emissions, progress towards targets - 3. Health-related air pollution assessment - 4. Ecosystems related air pollution assessment

This report presents an overview and analysis of air quality in Europe from 2003 to 2012, as well as estimates of urban population and ecosystem exposure to air pollution. The evaluation of the status and trends of air quality is based on ambient air measurements, in conjunction with anthropogenic emissions and their trends. It reviews progress towards meeting the requirements of the air quality directives (EU, 2004 and 2008c) and provides an overview of policies and measures to improve air quality and minimise air pollution impacts on public health and ecosystems. The latest findings and estimates of the effects of air pollution on health and its impacts on ecosystems are also reviewed. The analysis covers up to 38 European countries (10), including the 28 EU Member States, and member countries of the European Environment Agency (EEA-33). At present, particulate matter (PM) and ground-level ozone (O3) are Europe's most problematic pollutants in terms of harm to human health, followed by benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) (an indicator for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). In terms of damage to ecosystems, the most harmful air pollutants are O3, ammonia (NH3) and nitrogen oxides (NOX).

Concentrates on the local and regional ambient air pollution issues in urban and rural areas of Europe. Global air pollution issues are not addressed. Goal of the report is twofold: to inform a broad audience (general public as well as experts) on air quality at the European level, and to provide feedback information to those managing air quality in Europe. Addresses impact of air quality on human health, ecosystems, and materials.

This is the third state and outlook report on the European environment produced by the European Environment Agency (EEA) since 1994. The last report, published in 1999 concluded that, despite 25 years of Community environmental policy, environmental quality in the European Union (EU) was mixed and that the unsustainable development of some key economic sectors was the major barrier to further improvements. That remains the EEA's key conclusion, despite significant progress on some issues demonstrating that environmental policy works. The next report is due in 2010, and the EEA intends to have played its part in reversing unsustainable trends in sectors such as energy, agriculture and transport. This report is in four parts: (A) an integrated assessment of the atmospheric, aquatic and terrestrial environment; (B) a core set of indicators, including pollution, biodiversity, climate change, agriculture, energy, fisheries and transport; (C) country analysis; and (D) a bibliography of EEA publications since 2000.

Recent advances in air pollution monitoring and modeling capabilities have made it possible to show that air pollution can be transported long distances and that adverse impacts of emitted pollutants cannot be confined to one country or even one continent. Pollutants from traffic, cooking stoves, and factories emitted half a world away can make the air we inhale today more hazardous for our health. The relative importance of this "imported" pollution is likely to increase, as emissions in developing countries grow, and air quality standards in industrial countries are tightened. Global Sources of Local Pollution examines the impact of the long-range transport of four key air pollutants (ozone, particulate matter, mercury, and persistent organic pollutants) on air quality and pollutant deposition in the United States. It also explores the environmental impacts of U.S. emissions on other parts of the world. The book recommends that the United States work with the international community to develop an integrated system for determining pollution sources and impacts and to design effective response strategies. This book will be useful to international, federal, state, and local policy makers responsible for understanding and managing air pollution and its impacts on human health and well-being.

This book presents WHO guidelines for the protection of public health from risks due to a number of chemicals commonly present in indoor air. The substances considered in this review, i.e. benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, naphthalene, nitrogen dioxide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (especially benzo[a]pyrene), radon, trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene, have indoor sources, are known in respect of their hazardousness to health and are often found indoors in concentrations of health concern. The guidelines are targeted at public health professionals involved in preventing health risks of environmental exposures, as well as specialists and authorities involved in the design and use of buildings, indoor materials and products. They provide a scientific basis for legally enforceable standards.

This book presents revised guideline values for the four most common air pollutants - particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide - based on a recent review of the accumulated scientific evidence. The rationale for selection of each guideline value is supported by a synthesis of information emerging from research on the health effects of each pollutant. As a result, these guidelines now also apply globally. They can be read in conjunction with Air quality guidelines for Europe, 2nd edition, which is still the authority on guideline values for all other air pollutants. As well as revised guideline values, this book makes a brief yet comprehensive review of the issues affecting the application of the guidelines in risk assessment and policy development. Further, it summarizes information on: . pollution sources and levels in various parts of the world, . population exposure and characteristics affecting sensitivity to pollution, . methods for quantifying the health burden of air pollution, and . the use of guidelines in developing air quality standards and other policy tools. Finally, the special case of indoor air pollution is explored. Prepared by a large team of renowned international experts who considered conditions in various parts of the globe, these guidelines are applicable throughout the world. They provide reliable guidance for policy-makers everywhere when considering the various options for air quality management.