Methodological note. EIS: Air emissions by fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Industry

Air pollution may be anthropogenic (human-induced) or of natural origin. Air pollution has the potential to harm both human health and the environment: particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide and ground-level ozone are known to pose particular health risks. This indicator captures average concentration levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5 — particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less) to which the population is exposed. The EU set an annual limit of 25 µg/m³ for fine particulate matter in Directive 2008/50/EC on ambient air quality and cleaner air, while the World Health Organisation (WHO) set a more stringent, but non-binding guideline value, whereby annual mean concentrations should not exceed 10 µg/m³ in order to protect human health. PM2.5 is considered by the WHO as the pollutant with the highest impact on human health.

The indicator is obtained as a quotient.

Numerator:

Air emissions by fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the Manufacturing sector in Tonnes.

Denominator:

Value added in the Manufacturing sector - Chain linked volumes (2010), million euro.