Applications for the Air Quality Regulation

The “Air and Climate Plan” identifies a series of actions that aim to reduce the main atmospheric pollutants.

One of the implementation tools proposed by the Plan is the Air quality regulation, approved by the City Council on November 19, 2020.

In implementation of the TAR Lombardia sentence n. 2857/2021, art.11 of the Air Quality Regulation concerning "Electric charging stations" is canceled.

In implementation of the ruling of the Council of State - Section. 4^, n. 09669/2022, the art. 3 of the Regulation for air quality concerning "Civil heating systems" is cancelled. 

In implementation of the TAR Lombardia rulings n. 2033/2022 and n. 2034/2022, the ban on lighting fireworks (including firecrackers, firecrackers and explosive devices in general) referred to in art. 10 of the Air Quality Regulation concerning "Open burning" is cancelled. 

To view all the suspended paragraphs, consult the regulation in the attachments section.

The problem
Numerous clinical studies have shown that exposure to pollutants present in the air of Milan, such as atmospheric particulate matter (PM, PM10 or PM2,5), causes damage to health: from lung cancer to an increased risk of of other types of cancer (for example, bladder cancer).

In Milan for many years the limit values ​​for various pollutants have not been respected, including PM10 and nitrogen dioxide (NO2); consequently, the levels of air pollution produced significantly impact citizens, causing a reduction in life expectancy estimated at between 2 and 3 years.

The main emission sources
For nitrogen oxides:

  • road transport
  • combustion from methane-fuelled residential and commercial heating systems
  • combustion in industry
  • energy production
  • combustion from heating, residential and commercial systems powered by diesel
  • waste treatment and disposal

For PM10 particulate matter:

  • road transport
  • combustion due to pizzerias with wood-fired ovens
  • use of solvents
  • combustion of tobacco
  • fireworks
  • combustion from heating, residential and commercial systems powered by wood and similar
  • combustion in industries
  • production processes
  • combustion from heating, residential and commercial systems powered by diesel
  • combustion from the use of stoves, fireplaces and kitchens in residential settings.

Source: INEMAR - Atmospheric Emissions Inventory, Emissions in the Lombardy Region in the year 2017 - ARPA Lombardy 2020

Article 4 of the Regulation provides for the census of activities that use woody biomass for production and catering activities (bakeries, pizzerias...) by 1 March 2021, as well as the obligation to use certified wood (at least class A1) from October 1, 2022.
In the event of new installation and/or replacement of equipment and/or reconstruction of the flue, it is necessary to provide at least one sealed inspection opening. For further details, consult the determination in the attachments section.

Article 5 of the Regulation provides for the obligation to close the doors of commercial establishments by 1 January 2022. As an exception to the closing of the doors, the use of non-electrically heated air blades is permitted. The adaptation of existing air curtains must be carried out by June 1, 2022.

Article 6 of the Regulation provides for some prohibitions on the use of the most polluting generators.
For commercial activities in public areas outside the market with fixed parking, there is a ban on the use of power generators to replace the connection to the electricity grid starting from 1° January 2022.

Article 7 of the Regulation provides for measures to contain the dust that is created on construction sites (by way of example, some are listed: periodic cleaning; washing of the wheels of vehicles leaving the construction site; moderation of speed by long-distance transport vehicles the dirt paths of the construction site area; use of vehicles equipped with closed bodies or provided with tarpaulins for moving earth, aggregates and dusty materials; shielding of systems that generate dust emissions).

Article 8 of the Regulation provides for a ban on the use of obsolete non-road mobile machinery (construction machinery), as well as progressive bans on older engines, in line with the ZTL in area B.
An exemption is foreseen until 2030 in case of installation of anti-particulate devices; exception until 2039 in case of additional installation of DeNOx devices (devices for the reduction and elimination of nitrogen oxides).

Article 9 of the Regulation bans, from 19 January 2021, the possibility of smoking in the city areas listed below:

  • Areas intended for public greenery (with the exception of isolated places, where it is possible to respect the distance of at least 10 meters from other people), in addition to the prohibitions already in force in equipped areas intended for children's games, sports or recreational activities ( Municipal regulations for the use and protection of public and private green areas) and in dog areas (Regulations for the Welfare and Protection of Animals)
  • at public transport stops
  • at sports facilities
  • at the cemeteries

From 1 January 2025 the smoking ban will be extended to all public outdoor areas (with the exception of isolated places, where it is possible to respect a distance of at least 10 meters from other people).

The smoking ban only concerns tobacco products, therefore the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) is permitted.

Article 10 of the Regulation provides for a ban on the lighting of fireworks and barbecues in the period between 1 October and 31 March.

In implementation of the TAR Lombardia sentence n. 2857/2021, article 11 of the Air Quality Regulation concerning "Electric charging stations" is cancelled.

For further details relating to the installation and operation of fuel dispensers click , promising

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Updated: 30/11/2023