Health impacts of air pollution

The number of premature deaths due to exposure to particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 μm or less (PM_2.5), also known as fine particulate matter, in Spain has decreased significantly, aligning with the decrease in PM_2.5 emission levels reported by the Spanish air quality network. Environmental conditions can have a direct or indirect, momentary or cumulative, effect on human health. A population exposed to environmental degradation is a population that is less protected against disease.

Since 2021, Spain has had a 2022–2026 strategic plan for health and environment, which aims to protect citizens and reduce exposure to environmental risks that affect human health. There is also a predictive tool for the national air quality index, which provides 48-hour advance warning of air quality and thus contributes to the early dissemination of information and the taking of measures by the competent authorities. Daily information on air quality in Spain is also provided by Radio Nacional de España. A royal decree regulating low-emission zones has also been approved, which contributes to improving air quality and mitigating climate change in line with the provisions of the Climate Change and Energy Transition Act, and which also improves the current air quality situation, ensuring compliance with the values laid out in the new World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on air quality.