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Air Pollution

Current levels of air pollution still affect public health. Air pollution can cause respiratory diseases and reduce life expectancy.

Three air pollutants reviewed by the WHO

Nitrogen Dioxide

In Europe, Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) pollutes the air mainly as a result of road traffic and energy production. Apart from giving rise to acid rain and other air pollutants, current levels of NO2 may affect our health. How and to what extent? More...

Latest update: 15 August 2005

Summary available in [en] [es] [fr

Ozone

In the high layers of the atmosphere, Ozone acts as a protective sunscreen that shields us from the high levels of UV radiation coming from the sun. At ground-level, however, it can be harmful to plants, animals, and humans. How are we exposed to ozone and how harmful can it be? More...

Latest update: 15 August 2005

Summary available in [en] [es] [fr

Particulate Matter

Air can be contaminated by particles such as dust, pollen, soot, smoke, and liquid droplets. Many of them can harm our health, especially very small particles that can enter deep into the lungs. What is known about the different health effects of particles? More...

Latest update: 15 August 2005

Summary available in [en] [es] [fr

Other related assessments:

Air quality in Europe

Air quality remains an important issue for public health, the economy and the environment. More...

Latest update: 15 May 2014

Summary available in [en] [es] [fr

Indoor Air Quality

Much progress has been made in Europe in improving outdoor air quality and limit values have been set for several pollutants. However, indoor air quality also requires attention because this is where we spend most of our time.

Which indoor air pollutants raise concern? How can indoor air quality be determined? More...

Latest update: 15 June 2008

Summary available in [de] [en] [es] [fr

Respiratory Diseases

Asthma and allergies are increasing in many European countries. Can genetic and environmental factors affect a child's likelihood to develop such diseases? More...

Latest update: 15 October 2005

Summary available in [en] [es] [fr

Pollution

Pollution is everywhere. Contaminants coming from human activity are found in the most remote reaches of the planet.

How can we ensure that the planet doesn’t degrade further? More...

Latest update: 19 December 2017

Summary available in [de] [en] [fr

Air Pollution Europe

Even if there has been great improvements in air quality and significant decreases of air emissions in the last decades, air pollution is still a problem in Europe.

What is being done to address the issue further and how effective are the measures taken? More...

Latest update: 10 February 2019

Summary available in [de] [en] [fr

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