In recent years, research led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) has shown that air quality in Europe has made considerable improvements during the past two decades. Although the levels of suspended particulate matter (SPM: PM2.5 and PM10) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) have fallen, the majority of Europeans still live in areas with air pollution exceeding WHO guidelines.
The research, covering more than 1,400 areas in 35 European countries with a population of over 543 million, reinforces the daunting obstacles faced by air pollution. However, though the annual decrease in PM10 (2.72%), PM2.5 (2.45%), and NO2 (1.72%) is seen, 98% of Europeans inhabit the regions with unhealthy levels of PM2.5, and considerable numbers of them are affected by PM10 (80%) and NO2 (86%).
Components of particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide have been shown to have detrimental health effects, such as activation of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and premature births. Their deaths are the most shocking because they account for more than 400,000 premature deaths in Europe every year.
Air pollution remediation measures are beginning to bear fruit, and the introduction of low-emission zones in cities or emission reduction directives to industries is already producing positive effects. Nevertheless, the issues remain, especially in the red spots such as northern Italy and eastern Europe, where the PM2.5 and PM10 levels are high, and in regions with increased NO2 levels, for instance, northern Italy and western parts of Europe. The central European air quality problem is multifaceted; therefore, the government should develop focused programs and policies to ensure public health and reduce the effects of air pollution on the communities on the continent.
