Air quality limit and guide values for sulphur dioxide and suspended particulates - A European community directive

On 15 July, 1980, the Council of Ministers of the European Communities adopted a Council Directive on air quality limit values and guide values for sulphur dioxide and suspended particulates. This directive constitutes the first European legislation on stating air quality standards.The guiding principles underlying this directive are analyzed and the consequences of the directive for Member States, in terms of concrete actions destined to improve the air quality, particularly in highly polluted areas, are indicated.