Recoge: 1. Introduction - 2. Development of air pollution emissions, progress towards targets - 3. Health-related air pollution assessment - 4. Ecosystems related air pollution assessment

Recoge: 1. Introduction - 2. How are the driving forces of air pollutant emissions developing? - 3. What progress has been made in reducing air pollutant emissions in Europe? - 4. What is the state of air quality in Europe in 2000 - 5. How are policy measures affecting the air pollution problems? - 6. References - 7. Acronyms and abbreviations.

This report provides an overview and analysis of the air pollution situation in Europe in the year 2000 and the preceding decade. It is based on indicators for underlying driving forces, emissions, air quality, deposition of pollutants and the effectiveness of policies and measures. The report covers the 31 EEA member countries and Switzerland.

Concentrates on the local and regional ambient air pollution issues in urban and rural areas of Europe. Global air pollution issues are not addressed. Goal of the report is twofold: to inform a broad audience (general public as well as experts) on air quality at the European level, and to provide feedback information to those managing air quality in Europe. Addresses impact of air quality on human health, ecosystems, and materials.

This report presents an overview and analysis of air quality in Europe from 2003 to 2012, as well as estimates of urban population and ecosystem exposure to air pollution. The evaluation of the status and trends of air quality is based on ambient air measurements, in conjunction with anthropogenic emissions and their trends. It reviews progress towards meeting the requirements of the air quality directives (EU, 2004 and 2008c) and provides an overview of policies and measures to improve air quality and minimise air pollution impacts on public health and ecosystems. The latest findings and estimates of the effects of air pollution on health and its impacts on ecosystems are also reviewed. The analysis covers up to 38 European countries (10), including the 28 EU Member States, and member countries of the European Environment Agency (EEA-33). At present, particulate matter (PM) and ground-level ozone (O3) are Europe's most problematic pollutants in terms of harm to human health, followed by benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) (an indicator for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). In terms of damage to ecosystems, the most harmful air pollutants are O3, ammonia (NH3) and nitrogen oxides (NOX).