11 41. It states that several of the reference values used by the MFHR are not relevant either because they were not applicable at the time of the matters in question, such as the limit value on PM10, which only became binding in 2005, or apply to the future, as in the case of the Kyoto objectives, for which 2012 is the key date, or the IPPC directive, which must be transposed by November 2007. The Government also refers to the agreement reached in the Council of the European Union on the draft Directive on ambient air quality (2757th meeting (environment), 23 October 2006) on the possible deferral of the deadline for achieving PM10 limit values. 42. The Government also believes that the data quoted by the MFHR has to be seen in context. From the national perspective, the TPS levels in the KozaniPtolemaida region are comparable to those recorded in other residential areas in Greece where there are no power plants. Moreover the high particulate concentrations at regional level are not uniquely a Greek phenomenon but affect all southern Europe and are the consequence of multiple meteorological and topographical factors such as the poorer renewal of air masses in the Mediterranean region, dry soil, less frequent rain, etc. 43. Finally, the Government disputes the MFHR's interpretation of various scientific findings and makes the following points: – – – – – Triantafyllou (2000): this study was not concerned with identifying the origin of the pollution and also found that in 1994 the average annual PM10 concentration in Kozani had fallen below the air quality standard of 50μg/m3, which it attributes to the installation of new electrostatic precipitators at the Ptolemais and Kardia power stations; Triantafyllou (2003): this study records a general downward trend in TSP concentrations between 1983 and 1988 in eight measuring stations (Amynteo, Kapnochori, Polymylos, Petrana, DEH Village, Komanos, Akrini and K. Spor), equivalent to an average decrease of 45.5% between 1986 and 1998, which it attributes to the DEH's anti-pollution measures; Triantafyllou (2005): this study does reveal long-term exposure to very fine particulates (<10 μm) in excess of the limit values. However, the Government argues that these are emitted from a height of 200 metres, resulting in very good dispersion and thus very limited effects on respiratory health; Samara (2005): this study shows that ordinary traffic is the main source of TPS emissions in Kozani. In support of this, the Government points out that annual average TPS concentrations in Petrana, close to Kozani, were less than half the Kozani level. On the other hand, in Klitos traffic linked to lignite mining is probably a significant source of pollution. The contribution of fly ash to this pollution ranged from less than 2% in Florina to 16% in Klitos in warm periods and averaged less than 15% in all sites (other than the 21% in Klitos in the cold season); Pelatoli et al (2006): this study shows that TSP limit values (150g/m3) were only exceeded in Klitos, the site closest to the power stations and the lignite transporters. Moreover, in the majority or other sites, the highest TSP concentrations are associated with particular weather conditions.