Press Release: Environment: Commission requests information from Member States on PM10 pollution

The European Commission wrote to 23 Member States to request information on what action they are taking to comply with the EU's air quality standard for dangerous airborne particles known as PM10. These coarse particles, emitted by industry and traffic, can cause asthma, cardiovascular problems, lung cancer and premature death. The Commission's action followed the entry into force on 11 June of the major new EU air quality directive, which allowed Member States to request limited extra time to meet the PM10 standard under certain conditions.