Measurements of particulate matter within the framework of the European monitoring and evaluation programme (EMEP): I. first resultsMeasurements of particulate matter within the framework of the European monitoring and evaluation programme (EMEP): I. first results Peer-Reviewed Journal Publication Δημοσίευση σε Περιοδικό με Κριτές 2015-11-112005enParticulate matter (PM) monitoring presents a new challenge to the transboundary air pollution strategies in Europe. Evidence for the role of long-range transport of particulate matter and its significant association with a wide range of adverse health effects has urged for the inclusion of particulate matter within the European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme (EMEP) framework. Here we review available data on PM physico-chemical characteristics within the EMEP framework. In addition we identify future research needs for the characterisation of the background PM in Europe that include detailed harmonised measurements of mass, size and chemical composition (mass closure) of the ambient aerosol.http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Science of the Total Environment1-3285 209–235 Lazaridis Michalis Λαζαριδης Μιχαλης Steinar Larssen Arne Semb Anne-Gunn Hjellbrekke Øystein Hov Jan Erik Hanssen Jan Schaug Kjetil Tørseth Elsevier Sniffing, Aerosol aerosol sniffing sniffing aerosol