This Directive lays down measures aimed at the following:
(1)
defining and establishing objectives for ambient air quality designed to avoid, prevent or reduce harmful effects on human health and the environment as a whole;
(2)
assessing the ambient air quality in Member States on the basis of common methods and criteria;
(3)
obtaining information on ambient air quality in order to help combat air pollution and nuisance and to monitor long-term trends and improvements resulting from national and Community measures;
(4)
ensuring that such information on ambient air quality is made available to the public;
(5)
maintaining air quality where it is good and improving it in other cases;
(6)
promoting increased cooperation between the Member States in reducing air pollution.