Alert thresholds and limit values in Article 13
Alert thresholds (1/2)
An alert threshold is according to Article 2 part 9, Directive 2008/50/EC a
Annex XII fixed this level at 500 microgram/m³ for sulphur dioxide and at 400 microgram/m³ for nitrogen dioxide, measured over three consecutive hours. Article 19 of Directive 2008/50/EC then requested Member States when the alert threshold for sulphur dioxide or nitrogen dioxide was exceeded, to inform the public in an appropriate form - Article 19 mentions by means of radio, television, newspapers or the internet - of such exceedance.
Moreover, should the case be that alert thresholds are exceeded or when there is a risk that alert thresholds are exceeded, Member States shall draw up an action plan in which they indicate the measures which are to be taken in the short term, in order to reduce the risk or duration of such an exceedance. It is left to Member States to decide what measures they provide to reduce the air pollution. Article 24(2) of Directive 2008/50/EC enumerates a number of examples for such measures: suspend activities which contribute to the risk, measures that affect motor-vehicle traffic, construction work, ships at berth, domestic heating and the use of industrial plants or products. Anyway, though, EU environmental law allows Member States also to take other, more restrictive, measures. Member States may also take measures which aim at the protection of sensitive parts of the population, such as children or third-age persons.