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EN
The indicator shows the number of annual premature deaths attributable to exposure to fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) and the related zero-pollution action plan objective for 2030. Premature deaths are derived from a health risk assessment approach based on World Health Organization Europe recommendations measuring the general impact of air pollution across a given population.
From 2005 to 2022, the number of premature deaths due to exposure to particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 μm or less (PM2.5), also known as fine particulate matter, in Germany decreased by about 51%. The decrease in the burden of disease can be attributed to a significant decrease in PM2.5 concentrations in Germany between 2005 and 2022, due to reductions in emissions of PM2.5 and its precursor substances. Measures at the European, national and local levels, such as the EU Ambient Air Quality Directive (2008/50/EC), have been instrumental in reducing PM2.5 emissions from a range of sources, including domestic heating, transport, industry (including power plants) and agriculture. However, despite ongoing improvements, in 2021, almost 100% of the German population were still exposed to annual mean PM2.5 concentrations above the World Health Organization guideline value of 5 µg/m³. To better protect human health, additional national and local measures interlinked with far-reaching, European-wide measures are required to significantly reduce PM2.5 concentrations and the associated burden of disease in Germany.
References and footnotes
- ↵Kienzler, S., Plaß, D. and Wintermeyer, D., ‘Health-related exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5) in Germany 2010–2021 / Die Gesundheitsbelastung durch Feinstaub (PM2,5) in Deutschland 2010–2021’, UMID: Umwelt und Mensch – Informationsdienst, No 1/2024, 2024, pp. 50–61, https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/sites/default/files/medien/4031/publikationen/artikel_5_dnk.pdf.