Eurostat

This metadata refers to three datasets based on the data collection on air emissions accounts (AEA): 1.Air emissions accounts by NACE Rev. 2 activity [env_ac_ainah_r2] This data set reports the emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants broken down by 64 industries (classified by NACE Rev. 2) plus households. Concepts and principles are the same as in national accounts. Complete data starts from reference year 2008. 2. Air emissions intensities by NACE Rev. 2 activity [env_ac_aeint_r2] This data set presents intensity-ratios relating AEA emissions (see previous) to economic parameters (value added, production output) for 64 industries (classified by NACE Rev. 2). 3. Air emissions accounts totals bridging to emission inventory totals [env_ac_aibrid_r2] This data set includes so-called bridging items showing the differences between the national totals as derived from two internationally established approaches/methods for reporting emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants: a) Air emissions accounts (AEA), i.e. the dataset mentioned above under 1. The AEA national totals refer to the residents of the reporting country (so-called residence principle as established in national accounts). b) National emission inventories, i.e. greenhouse gas inventories (providing emission data under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)) and air pollutant inventories (providing emission data under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP) and the EU National Emission Ceilings Directive (NEC). The national totals refer widely to the territory of the reporting country. The European Environment Agency (EEA) collects national inventories for greenhouse gases and other air pollutants and compiles the EU aggregates. Eurostat republishes the most relevant data from these inventories in [env_air_emis] and [env_air_gge]. The two methodologies are based on slightly different concepts and principles and the totals at national and EU level correspondingly differ. The bridging items explicitly present these differences.

The indicator shows the population-weighted concentration of PM10 and PM2.5 to which the urban population is potentially exposed. Fine and coarse particulates (PM10) are those whose diameter is less than 10 micrometres, whilst fine particulates (PM2.5) are those whose diameters are less than 2.5 micrometers. Particulates can be carried deep into the lungs where they can cause inflammation and a worsening of the condition of people with heart and lung diseases. The smaller the particles the deeper they travel into the lungs, with more potential for harm. According to the recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO) the annual mean concentration is the best indicator for PM-related health effects. In 1996, the Environment Council adopted Framework Directive 96/62/EC on ambient air quality assessment and management. The first Daughter Directive (1999/30/EC) relating to limit values for PM10 and other pollutants in ambient air fixed an annual limit value of 40 micrograms of PM10 per cubic meter (40 µg/m3). Note that the WHO guideline value is 20 µg/m3 (annual mean). More recently, the Directive 2008/50/EC set a framework to define and establish objectives for ambient air quality and to harmonise methods and criteria among the Member States. This does have limits for PM2.5. The limit value that was due to be met on 1 January 2015 is 25 µg/m3, which falls to 20 µg/m3 by 2020. Note that the WHO guideline value is 10 µg/m3 (annual mean). The directive 2008/50/EC also places a requirement on Member States to assess and reduce population exposure to concentrations of PM2.5 by 2020. The magnitude of the required reduction depends on national average concentrations between 2009 and 2011. Where concentrations for those years were greater than 22 µg/m3, all appropriate measures should be used to reduce below 18 µg/m3 by 2020.