Air quality in Europe is improving, but pollution is still killing a lot of people.
Fine particulate matter air pollution caused 399,000 premature deaths in EU countries in 2014. That is an 8 percent decrease compared to the previous year as suggested by the data that was submitted by the national authorities and then analyzed by the EEA.
Air pollution is one of the main causes of heart and respiratory diseases and cuts life expectancy. As a society, we should not accept the cost of air pollution. With bold decisions and smart investments in cleaner transport, energy, and agriculture, we can both tackle pollution and improve our quality of life, said EEA Executive Director Hans Bruyninckx in a press release.
Sadly, the main source of particulate pollution overall is domestic heating. Also followed by road transport and industrial processes. Specific air pollutants make the picture look grimmer. For instance, premature deaths are linked to nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which in addition is closely linked to diesel vehicle exhaust, which was increased to 75,000 in 2014 from 68,000 in 2013. Breaches of EU legal limits were reported in 22 of the 28 EU countries in 2015.
EU legal limits for fine particulate matter were breached less frequently in 2015, however, over 80 percent of Europe’s urban population was still exposed to concentrations above World Health Organization guidelines. WHO sets tougher limits than those set by the EU.
Above all, the European Commission has launched infringement proceedings against more than 20 EU countries for breaching EU air pollution limits.
In conclusion, the proportion of people exposed to harmful levels of pollution was even higher for ozone (over 95 percent). For instance, surges during heat waves, and benzo[a]pyrene (over 85 percent) and is closely linked to low-quality domestic heating and of particular concern in Central and Eastern Europe.
Source: Air pollution linked to nearly 400,000 premature deaths – POLITICO
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