EU Council Adopts Directive to Strengthen Air Quality Standards: important call to action for Governments, Municipalities, and Industries

EU Council Adopts Directive to Strengthen Air Quality Standards: important call to action for Governments, Municipalities, and Industries

On the  14 October 2024,  The EU Council has adopted new air quality standards across the European Union. This directive aims to reduce air pollution and prevent thousands of premature deaths each year. It also allows EU citizens to seek compensation for health damages if air quality rules are violated. This directive requires immediate action from governments, municipalities, and industries.

Stricter Air Quality Standards

The directive sets stricter air quality standards for pollutants like particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. These standards, based on World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, must be met by 2030. Member states facing challenges may request an extension.

The directive standardizes air quality assessment methods across the EU. Member states must prepare air quality plans if there's a risk of not meeting the new standards by 2030. These standards will be reviewed regularly to keep them up to date with scientific evidence.

Immediate Action Needed

Governments, municipalities, and industries must act quickly:

•  Governments should create comprehensive air quality management plans and support local authorities.

•  Municipalities need to install effective air purification systems, enforce regulations, and educate the public on pollution reduction.

•  Industries, especially those producing high levels of particulate matter, must adopt new pollution control technologies and sustainable practices. Investing in air purification solutions like those from Staticair can help reduce pollution and comply with the new standards.

Staticair’s Role

Staticair’s air purification systems are designed for various environments, including outdoor spaces, smart cities, industries, and traffic tunnels. By installing Staticair systems, municipalities can reduce pollution and improve air quality. Industries can also reduce operational risks and make sure to stay compliant by using these technologies.

Access to Justice

The directive ensures fair access to justice for those affected by air pollution. Citizens can claim compensation for health damages caused by violations of the air quality rules. This provision protects public health and holds violators accountable.

Next Steps

The directive will be published in the EU’s Official Journal and will enter into force 20 days after publication. Member states will have two years to incorporate the directive into national law. The European Commission will review air quality standards by 2030 and every five years after that.

Background

Air pollution is the biggest environmental health risk in Europe, causing around 300,000 premature deaths each year. The European Commission's revision of air quality directives began in October 2022 as part of the EU’s zero pollution action plan. The final agreement was reached in February 2024, merging existing directives into a single set of rules aligned with WHO recommendations.

This directive is a key step toward a healthier future for EU citizens. Governments, municipalities, and industries must act quickly to meet these new standards and protect public health. Staticair’s innovative solutions will be crucial in achieving these environmental goals. The time to act is now.

At Staticair, we have installed air purifiers across various cities around the world, and there are clear, demonstrable evidences of more than 55% reduction in pollution after installing Staticair's solutions.

[See the case studies here]

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