The Swedish Environmental Code contains environmental quality standards (EQS), which are based on EC directives. EQS are regulations concerning the quality of land, water, air and the environment. They are designed to protect health and are focused heavily on exposure.
EQS were introduced in the Swedish Environmental Code in 1999. Whereas the previous environmental legislation was only aimed at minimising and alleviating environmental disturbances, as far as was reasonable, the Environmental Code with EQS places direct demands on the final result by setting statutory values and standards that must be met. The National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) apply to both short-term (hour and 24-hours) and long-term (year) exposure to air pollutants.
The first substances to be included in the NAAQS system were nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and lead. In 2001, air quality standards for particulate matter (PM10) and nitrogen oxide were added, followed by carbon monoxide and benzene in 2003, and ozone in 2004. In December 2007, new EC directives for certain metals and volatile organic compounds were implemented in the NAAQS.
In 2008 the European Parliament and Council published a new air quality directive (2008/50/EC). As a result of the new directive, the Swedish government issued a new air quality regulation (2010:477) in May 2010. The new regulation provides the same air quality standards, but has also expanded to include NAAQS for fine particles (PM2,5). Assessment thresholds for particulate matter (PM10) has been increased, resulting in lower measurement requirements. As a further consequence of the new air quality directive, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency have issued new regulations on the control of air quality (2010:8).
The concentrations of sulphur dioxide and lead are nowadays so low that the air quality standards are fulfilled by a wide margin all over the country. Concentrations of benzene and carbon monoxide also comply with the air quality standards. However, the air quality standards for particles (PM10) and nitrogen dioxide are the hardest to satisfy. Close to busy roads in city centres and along main roads (highways) the concentrations of PM10 and nitrogen dioxide often exceed the air quality standards. In the countryside, ozone concentrations also sometimes exceed the NAAQS.
Read more about the Environmental Code and environmental quality standards at the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency's website.