What is the difference between the WHO air pollution guidelines and the EU standards?

European standards are set by EU legislation and are mandatory for all member states. WHO guidelines are just recommendations. The maximum reference levels of air pollution recommended by the WHO are much more restrictive—and therefore provide better health protection—than the EU legislation, especially after the update of the WHO Global Air Quality Guidelines published in September 2021.

Air Pollution Maximum Levels (annual mean)
PM_2.5 / New 2021 WHO Guidelines: 5 µg/m₃
PM_2.5 / 2005 WHO Guidelines: 10 µg/m₃
PM_2.5 / EU directives: 25 µg/m₃

NO₂ / New 2021 WHO Guidelines: 10 µg/m₃
NO₂ / 2005 WHO Guidelines: 40 µg/m₃
NO₂ / EU directives: 40 µg/m₃

For more information, visit https://www.eea.europa.eu/themes/air/air-quality-concentrations/air-quality-standards