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The NEC Directive covers four main air pollutants: sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs) and ammonia (NH3). These pollutants can cause respiratory problems, contribute to the acidification of soil and surface water, and damage vegetation.

How to read the chart: Countries that are below the national ceiling have a negative value, e.g. -45% means 45% below the national ceiling. Countries that exceeded the ceiling will show a positive value for example 35% above the ceiling.

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