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The source adds the following information: "This indicator shows the concentration of suspended particles PM10 and PM2.5 weighted according to the population, to which the urban population is potentially exposed. Coarse or fine particles (PM10) are those with a diameter less than 10 micrometers, while fine particles (PM2.5) have a diameter less than 2.5 micrometers. Particles can penetrate deeply into the lungs and cause inflammation and deterioration of health in people suffering from lung or heart diseases. The smaller the particles, the deeper they penetrate into the lungs, with increased risks of harmful effects. According to the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), the annual average concentration is the best indicator of health effects related to PM. In 1996, the Environment Council adopted the framework directive 96/62/EC concerning the assessment and management of ambient air quality. The first daughter directive (1999/30/EC) relating to the setting of limit values for fine particles and other pollutants in ambient air set an annual limit value of 40 micrograms of PM10 per cubic meter (40 µg/m3). It should be noted that the WHO guideline value is 20 µg/m3 (annual average). More recently, directive 2008/50/EC established a framework to define and set objectives regarding ambient air quality and to harmonize methods and criteria among Member States. It imposes limits for PM2.5. The limit value to be met as of January 1, 2015, is 25 µg/m3, to be reduced to 20 µg/m3 from 2020. It should be noted that the WHO guideline value is 10 µg/m3 (annual average). Directive 2008/50/EC also requires Member States to assess and reduce the population's exposure to PM2.5 concentrations by 2020. The extent of the required reduction depends on the national average concentrations between 2009 and 2011. When concentrations during those years were above 22 µg/m3, all appropriate measures should be taken to reduce them to less than 18 µg/m3 by 2020." To access the source of data on exposure to air pollution by fine particles PM10, select "Particles < 10µm" in the drop-down menu at the top of the Eurostat data table.