Health impacts of air pollution

According to the EEA, the number of premature deaths related to exposure to particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 μm or less (PM_2.5), also known as fine particulate matter, decreased by 47% in France, and 45% in the EU over 2005–2022. If this trend continues, the 55% reduction target set for 2030 compared with 2005 under the zero pollution action plan should be achieved.

This decrease is consistent with the trend in PM_2.5 emissions and concentrations at the national level: – 50% for emissions over 2005–2022, and – 42% for concentrations over 2009–2022. This progress follows the implementation of strategies and action plans in various sectors (particularly residential and industrial) over several years. The improved performance of individual wood-burning equipment in the residential sector, thanks to the replacement of old equipment, particularly open fireplaces, is one of those actions.

At the national level, Santé publique France estimates that the number of annual deaths attributable to exposure to PM_2.5 has decreased, but less significantly to 48 000 deaths a year in 2007–2008 and 40 000 in 2016–2019. The methodologies used at the EU and national levels for these estimates differ and do not allow for the direct comparison of results.