The European Commission EC says Romania is failing to protect its citizens from fine dust (PM10) pollution, adding that inhabitants in Bucharest, Brasov and Iasi have been almost continuously exposed to unhealthy levels of PM10 since 2007.

“These tiny particles originate in emissions from industry, traffic and domestic heating, and can cause asthma, cardiovascular problems, lung cancer and premature death. Under EU law, Member States have to limit citizens' exposure to these particles,” according to EC.

The Commission believes that Romania has not taken measures that should have been in place since 2007 to protect citizens' health, and is asking the country to take forward-looking, speedy and effective action to keep the period of non-compliance as short as possible. If Romania fails to act, the EC may take the matter to the EU Court of Justice.

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com