Health impacts of air pollution

The indicator for the health effects of air pollution shows a significant decrease (by 70 % by 2022 compared with 2005) in the number of premature deaths due to exposure to particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 μm or less (PM_2.5). In Luxembourg, local and national air quality is mainly influenced by traffic, industry, agriculture and heating – human activities. Air quality is continuously monitored in near real time by several monitoring networks. In addition, a number of policies and action plans (in line with relevant EU legislation) have been put in place to improve air quality. For example, a ban on the open burning of waste/green cuttings, which generates large quantities of particulate matter and is a major source of diffuse pollution, was introduced by law. Since then, Luxembourg has explored and promoted alternatives for the valorisation of readily available biomass. The national air pollution control programme focuses on, among other pollutants, achieving PM_2.5 emission reduction targets for 2030. It proposes a number of measures to improve air quality in both the short and long terms. Luxembourg submitted an updated national air pollution control programme in early February 2025. According to the latest inventory data and projections, Luxembourg is already in compliance with its 2030 commitments to reduce sulfur dioxide, non-methane volatile organic compounds and PM_2.5. Projections with the existing measures show that all commitments except for that for ammonia will be met by 2030. Implementing additional measures would ensure that all commitments will be met.