The VDI Expert Forum “Air Quality and Particulate Matter” provides a compact overview of the latest developments in particulate matter research, air quality monitoring, and environmental legislation. The focus is on the revised EU Air Quality Directive (EU Directive 2024/2881), the stricter particulate matter limit values that will apply from 2030 onwards, and new requirements for the measurement of ultrafine particles (UFP) and Black Carbon. 

• Date: September 16, 2026 
• Location: Intercity Hotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Berlin, Germany 
• Organizer: VDI Wissensforum 
   

About the VDI Expert Forum “Air Quality and Particulate Matter”

The VDI Expert Forum “Air Quality and Particulate Matter” focuses on the latest regulatory, measurement-related, and scientific developments in air quality monitoring. The event highlights the implications of the revised EU Air Quality Directive (EU Directive 2024/2881), which introduces significantly stricter limit values for PM2.5 and PM10 from 2030 onwards. In addition, new monitoring obligations for ultrafine particles (UFP) and Black Carbon will be discussed, including their relevance for authorities, monitoring networks, testing laboratories, and plant operators. 

Another key topic is the health impact of particulate matter. Expert speakers will present the latest findings from impact and exposure research and place them in the context of the World Health Organization’s 2021 Air Quality Guidelines. The forum will also provide insight into the requirements of the new EU directive and its implementation into national legislation. 

Furthermore, the forum addresses quality assurance and standardization in ambient particulate matter measurement. Participants will gain an overview of the current status of standardization for PM2.5 and PM10, as well as established approaches to quality assurance in air monitoring networks. Special attention will be given to modern measurement techniques for determining the number concentration and size distribution of ultrafine particles, as well as methods for measuring equivalent Black Carbon (eBC). Current practical measurement results will be presented, compared, and discussed to support a better understanding of their significance for air quality monitoring and the assessment of environmental impacts. 

Further information: https://www.vdi-wissensforum.de/weiterbildung-umwelttechnik/feinstaub/