Noverber 10, 2011

Ozone and particulates most serious air quality problems in Europe

Outdoor air quality rarely meets reference values set by the World Health Organisation WHO In European Union area. Poor outdoor air quality causes illnesses, premature deaths and harm to the environment according to the European Environmental Agency’s (EEA) report on Wednesday 9^th November.

Studies indicate that the most significant cause of indoor air quality related health problems in developed countries is the contaminants from the outside air. Ambient air quality is three times more significant source of indoor air pollution than dampness, mould and water systems.

Outdoor air pollution including particulates and ozone cause 500 000 premature deaths in EU and the neighbouring countries according to the European Environmental Agency’s report. Despite the fact that air pollution has decreased over the years, the concentration levels are still very high in places.  95% of the urban population is exposed to ozone levels that exceed the WHO’s standard values and 80-90% of people living in cities are exposed to too high particulate levels.  Air pollution causes among other things cardiovascular and lung diseases

- Europe’s air quality is generally getting better, but concentrations of some pollutants are still endangering people’s health. To improve air quality further, we need to use many different kinds of policies and measures. These could include reducing emissions levels at source, better urban planning to reduce people’s exposure and lifestyle changes at the individual level. Professor Jacqueline McGlade, EEA Executive Director (Source: EEA website)

Indoor climate systems are essential for the safety and wellbeing of people. Difference of indoor climate systems is considerable in terms of the indoor climate conditions they deliver. This has been noticed e.g. in air filtration and as a result requirements for air filtration in European Union are tightening. The new air filtration standard sets minimum collection efficiency and charge elimination requirements. Those are very important values in terms of indoor air quality.

More information about the EEA report:
> http://www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/ozone-and-particulates-most-serious