Health impacts of air pollution

Norway reached the target of reducing the number of premature deaths caused by exposure to particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 μm or less (PM_2.5) by 55% from the 2005 level in 2015. In 2021, there were an estimated 400 premature deaths resulting from PM_2.5 exposure.

From 2016 to 2022, between 25% and 50% of the population were exposed to PM_2.5 levels exceeding the World Health Organization’s air quality guidelines. The levels and emissions of fine particulate matter have gone down since 2005 [1]. Total emissions were reduced by 30% from 2005 to 2022. The largest source of particulate matter in Norway is residential heating, from which emissions have declined by 30% due to old wood stoves being replaced with newer ones or alternative sources of heating. Emissions from industry and road traffic have reduced due to better technology and the transition to electric vehicles. In addition, levying fees on studded tires has discouraged their use, which has led to less road dust being produced. Total emissions are expected to continue to decrease between now and 2030, but emissions from residential heating and road dust continue to challenge the work of ensuring safe air quality for the population.