Figure 1 - Premature deaths in the EU-27 due to PM2.5 levels above the 2021 WHO guidelines and distance to the zero pollution target, 2005-2020

To estimate premature deaths, all-cause (natural) mortality is considered in people over 30 for concentrations above the 2021 WHO guideline level of 5 µg/m³, assuming a linear increase in the risk of mortality of 8% for a 10 μg/m³ increase in concentrations of PM_2.5. The evolution in the number of premature deaths is based on the continuation of the past rate of reduction in premature deaths.