Health impacts of air pollution

In Croatia, the premature death rate due to exposure to particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 μm or less (PM_2.5) decreased by 41.7% in 2022 compared with 2005. The leading causes of death attributed to PM_2.5 are cardiovascular, respiratory and neurological diseases, and tumours. PM_2.5 emissions fell from 43.4 kt in 2005 to 26.2 kt in 2022 (– 39.6%). The most significant reductions were achieved in two main areas: road transport and heating. Key measures included the use of stricter Euro 4, 5 and 6 emissions standards, improved catalysts and filters and modern biomass furnaces, such as eco-design furnaces and pellet systems. The primary sources of PM_2.5 emissions were small combustion plants, which accounted for 79.2% of total PM_2.5 emissions, while energy plants contributed 7.1%.

The Air Protection Act requires local governments to adopt action plans to improve air quality in zones where pollutant levels in the ambient air exceed limit values. These plans were then implemented at the city level where exceedances were identified. In continental Croatia, where elevated PM_2.5 concentrations are most often a problem in winter, a downward trend in average annual PM_2.5 concentrations is noticeable. Despite progress, Croatia needs to accelerate the implementation of these measures to achieve satisfactory results.