PM10 and PM2.5
Particulate Matter (PM) is considered as the most harmful air pollutant in outdoor air for human health. To protect health, the EU agreed on limit values for PM2.5 and PM10, as well as on an exposure reduction target for PM2.5, which are described in the Ambient Air Quality Directive. The correct measurement of the two particulate size fractions PM2.5 and PM10 is not only required by the Directive, but is also essential for a EU- wide harmonised assessment of concentration levels, to detect the successful implementation of emission reduction measures and to identify changing emission patterns or Sources at local, regional and global level.
The Air Quality Directive sets the legal basis for a harmonised assessment of air pollutants in Europe. The reference measurement methods for PM2.5 and PM10 are described in the European standard EN 12341. Requirements on the data quality are set as minimum objectives for the uncertainty of the measurement itself, and as minimum data capture.
The accuracy of PM measurements has to be assured and continuously controlled in line with the Air Quality Directive and requirements of international standards for accreditation. The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) is the responsible body organising quality assurance tests at EU level, in collaboration with the AQUILA Network. Each Member States’ National air quality Reference Laboratory (NRL) in charge of the quality of air pollution measurements has to participate regularly in the quality assurance programmes organised by the JRC
