Photo: Canva

This directive, which was adopted on 14 October 2024, aims to significantly reduce air pollution by 2030 and aligns with the European Green Deal’s goal of zero pollution by 2050. The directive introduces stricter limits on pollutants, enhanced monitoring requirements, and provisions for public health protection.

The Swedish National Reference Laboratory for Air Quality (also known as Reflab) has been instrumental in maintaining high standards of air quality measurement across Sweden. It acts as a national node, guiding municipalities on technical measurement issues, ensuring the harmonization of quality assurance programs, and inspecting measurement sites. Reflab also assesses new instruments and provide recommendations regarding their approval to the Swedish EPA. Only approved instruments are allowed to be used within the Swedish air quality monitoring network. 

Emelie Graham, who was a former PhD student at the Department of Environmental Science and is now head of Reflab, explains, "Our primary role is to ensure that the air quality monitoring network in Sweden follows European standards. We provide guidance, conduct quality checks, and participate in European working groups to improve measurement techniques."

Agnes Stenlund, responsible for quality control of particulate matter (PM) measurements, highlights the Laboratory's critical function. "We verify and ensure the accuracy of PM10 and PM2.5 measurements conducted by municipalities, which is essential for reliable data and effective air quality management," she says.

Emelie Graham and Agnes Stenlund in the lab at Stockholm University. Photo: Stella Papadopoulou

The new EU Air Quality Directive to set stricter pollution limits

The new directive mandates stricter pollution limits and introduces new pollutant categories like black carbon and ultrafine particles. It emphasizes enhanced air quality monitoring and modeling to support compliance and effective action plans. According to the European Commission, the directive aims to align EU air quality standards more closely with the latest scientific evidence, ensuring a trajectory towards zero pollution by 2050.

The Commission's proposal includes reducing the annual limit for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) by more than half, reflecting the latest health data linking air pollution to chronic diseases and premature deaths. Additionally, the directive introduces provisions for better public information, ensuring transparency and allowing citizens to seek compensation for health damages resulting from air pollution violations.

Stefan Pfaller, a Laboratory member with a MSc in Environmental Science from Stockholm University, points out the challenges of adapting to these new regulations. "One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that local measurements comply with the new standards, this may require updates and revised ongoing quality control," Pfaller notes.

The directive also places additional demands on national and local authorities to implement specific measures for achieving the new standards. This could include expanding the number of monitoring stations and enhancing public information on air quality.

Emelie Graham and Stefan Pfaller in Ispra, Italy. Photo: Private

Pfaller’s work involves direct and indirect assistance to communities, from answering technical questions to evaluating results. “We help communities improve measurements indirectly by taking part in European and Nordic working groups that evaluate the instrumentation and processes used across Europe,” he explains.

Links with the Department of Environmental Science

The Swedish National Reference Laboratory for Air Quality dates back to a time before the Department of Environmental Science at Stockholm University was established. Initially part of various research institutes focused on environmental issues, Reflab has evolved significantly over the years. In 2015, an independent evaluation by the Swedish EPA led to significant reforms, including the appointment of a new head in 2016 who developed Reflab to its current form.

Reflab's responsibilities include inspecting measurement sites, conducting calibration and quality assurance programs, and participating in the development of European and Nordic measurement standards. These activities are crucial for maintaining high-quality data and ensuring that Sweden’s air quality measurements are accurate and reliable.

Importance of reliable data

Reliable data is the cornerstone of effective air quality management. "The quality standards are set to protect human health, so it's essential that member states assess their air quality in ways that provide reliable data," Stenlund emphasizes. This requires rigorous verification and quality control processes to ensure that measurement techniques comply with European standards.

Reflab’s role extends beyond national borders, contributing to the development of European measurement standards and ensuring that Sweden’s data is comparable with other countries. This international cooperation is vital for addressing transboundary air pollution and understanding the broader impacts of air quality on public health and the environment.

Participants from reference laboratories across EU at a recent meeting at Ispra, Italy. Photo: Private

Impact of EU policies on air quality in Sweden

The EU’s current air quality policies have significantly influenced improvements in Sweden’s air quality. “Raising communities’ awareness of the importance of maintaining good air quality, and by making it mandatory ensures the issue cannot be neglected,” Pfaller asserts. The new directive builds on these successes, aiming for even stricter limits and more comprehensive monitoring.

The revised directive requires more measuring stations and stricter data quality demands, which could pose challenges for some systems. However, it also drives technical development and innovation in air quality measurement. “Lower limit values and high data quality demands put a lot of pressure on technical development,” Stenlund observes.

Looking ahead

Reflab’s work is critical in the broader context of the revised directive, which is expected to have a profound impact on public health, reducing premature deaths and chronic diseases linked to air pollution. It also ensures that people affected by poor air quality have the right to seek compensation and access justice more easily.

Graham adds, "Our work ensures that Sweden not only complies with EU regulations but also leads in air quality management." As the EU Parliament prepares to formalize the directive, the Swedish National Reference Laboratory's role will be more crucial than ever in achieving cleaner air and a healthier environment for all.