Air pollution

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Air pollution harms human health and the environment. In Europe, emissions of many air pollutants have decreased substantially over the past decades, resulting in improved air quality across the region. However, air pollutant concentrations are still too high, and air quality problems persist. A significant proportion of Europe’s population live in areas, especially cities, where exceedances of air quality standards occur. More

Key facts and messages: Emissions of NOX, SOX, NH3 and NMVOC have decreased significantly in most countries between 1990 and 2012. However, air pollution still causes significant harm to health and the environment in Europe. more; Scientific understanding of the interaction between air pollution and climate change has improved over the last two decades. In particular, there has been a greater realisation that some air pollutants also act as short-term drivers of global... more; Although air pollutants and greenhouse gases often come from the same sources, international agreements generally treat them separately. One way that European policy seeks to connect climate and air quality policies is through the inclusion... more; The majority of countries are making progress towards meeting their 2020 targets under the 2012 revised Gothenburg Protocol. As a result, air quality in Europe is slowly improving. more; Continued improvements in air pollution levels are expected under current legislation, but beyond 2030 only slow progress is expected. Additional measures are needed if Europe is to achieve the long-term objective of air pollution levels that... more; Despite considerable improvements in past decades, air pollution is still responsible for more than 400 000 premature deaths in Europe each year. It also continues to damage vegetation and ecosystems. more

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Environmental pressures from industry’s heavy metal pollution decreasing

News 24 May 2018

Environmental pressures caused by heavy metal emissions from Europe's large industrial facilities decreased from 2010 to 2016, according to new data from the European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (E-PRTR), released by the European Environment Agency (EEA). A small fraction of facilities was responsible for more than half of the environmental pressures linked to heavy metal pollution in 2016.

Vote for best ‘I LIVE GREEN’ videos

News 01 May 2018

The video competition ‘I LIVE GREEN’, organised by the European Environment Agency (EEA) and its partner network, has reached the final stage. The Public Choice Award will be decided through an open online vote where you can have your say about the best video.

Europe’s transport sector: Aviation and shipping face big challenges in reducing environmental impacts

News 31 Jan 2018

A massive shift in innovation, consumer behaviour and the take up of more ambitious green technologies to power aircraft and sea-faring cargo ships will be crucial to reducing their long-term carbon footprint. A European Environment Agency (EEA) report says incremental measures such as improving fuel efficiency to cut emissions will not be enough for the aviation and shipping sectors to meet European greenhouse gas emissions and sustainability targets.

Tracking the environmental performance of industry in Europe: new interactive country profiles

News 06 Dec 2017

Industry across Europe is responsible for more than half of all carbon dioxide, particulate matter and other key pollutants emitted into the air, according to updated industrial pollution country profiles published today by the European Environment Agency (EEA).

$Environmental pressures caused by heavy metal emissions from Europe's large industrial facilities decreased from 2010 to 2016, according to new data from the European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (E-PRTR), released by the European Environment Agency (EEA). A small fraction of facilities was responsible for more than half of the environmental pressures linked to heavy metal pollution in 2016.$ Environmental pressures from industry’s heavy metal pollution decreasing Environmental pressures caused by heavy metal emissions from Europe's large industrial facilities decreased from 2010 to 2016, according to new data from the European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (E-PRTR), released by the European Environment Agency (EEA). A small fraction of facilities was responsible for more than half of the environmental pressures linked to heavy metal pollution in 2016.

Vote for best ‘I LIVE GREEN’ videos The video competition ‘I LIVE GREEN’, organised by the European Environment Agency (EEA) and its partner network, has reached the final stage. The Public Choice Award will be decided through an open online vote where you can have your say about the best video.

Europe’s transport sector: Aviation and shipping face big challenges in reducing environmental impacts A massive shift in innovation, consumer behaviour and the take up of more ambitious green technologies to power aircraft and sea-faring cargo ships will be crucial to reducing their long-term carbon footprint. A European Environment Agency (EEA) report says incremental measures such as improving fuel efficiency to cut emissions will not be enough for the aviation and shipping sectors to meet European greenhouse gas emissions and sustainability targets.

Tracking the environmental performance of industry in Europe: new interactive country profiles Industry across Europe is responsible for more than half of all carbon dioxide, particulate matter and other key pollutants emitted into the air, according to updated industrial pollution country profiles published today by the European Environment Agency (EEA).

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Europe’s environment: the power of data and knowledge

Article 15 Mar 2018

Europe collects increasingly more data, enhancing our understanding of the environment. Earth observation data obtained through the European Union’s Copernicus programme presents new challenges and opportunities to improve our environmental knowledge. Combining up-to-date Copernicus data with our existing knowledge base, the European Environment Agency (EEA) aims to empower policy makers and citizens across Europe in taking measures to address local, national and global challenges.

Cleaner air benefits human health and climate change

Article 15 Dec 2017

Thanks to legislation, technology and moves away from heavily polluting fossil fuels in many countries, Europe’s air quality has been improving in recent decades. However, many people continue to be negatively affected by air pollution, especially in cities. Given its complexity, tackling air pollution requires taking coordinated action at many levels. To get citizens involved, providing them timely information in an accessible way is essential. Our recently launched Air Quality Index does just that. Improvements in air quality would not only benefit our health, but could also help tackle climate change.

Effective policies are based on a robust knowledge base and solid science

Article 15 Mar 2017

At all governance levels, public policy making entails making decisions between different options and approaches. Some decisions, such as to invest in fossil fuels or renewables, might involve selecting one option over the other. Others might address the ‘how’ question – we will invest in renewables but which ones are the best for the society? Each policy decision results in outcomes, some of which might be unforeseen, unexpected or even detrimental to those whose lives it is supposed to improve. In the long term, the overall harm can be much larger than gains in the short term. To achieve the positive and lasting results on the ground, policy makers need to be able to make informed decisions, after assessing the benefits and costs of each available option.

Air quality remains a hot topic for many Europeans

Article 15 Dec 2016

Last month the European Environment Agency (EEA) released its latest ‘Air quality in Europe’ report which showed that while air quality is slowly improving, air pollution remains the single largest environmental health hazard in Europe. We sat down with Alberto González Ortiz, an EEA air quality expert, to discuss the report’s findings and how technologies like satellite imagery are helping to improve air quality research.

Europe’s environment: the power of data and knowledge Europe collects increasingly more data, enhancing our understanding of the environment. Earth observation data obtained through the European Union’s Copernicus programme presents new challenges and opportunities to improve our environmental knowledge. Combining up-to-date Copernicus data with our existing knowledge base, the European Environment Agency (EEA) aims to empower policy makers and citizens across Europe in taking measures to address local, national and global challenges.

Cleaner air benefits human health and climate change Thanks to legislation, technology and moves away from heavily polluting fossil fuels in many countries, Europe’s air quality has been improving in recent decades. However, many people continue to be negatively affected by air pollution, especially in cities. Given its complexity, tackling air pollution requires taking coordinated action at many levels. To get citizens involved, providing them timely information in an accessible way is essential. Our recently launched Air Quality Index does just that. Improvements in air quality would not only benefit our health, but could also help tackle climate change.

Effective policies are based on a robust knowledge base and solid science At all governance levels, public policy making entails making decisions between different options and approaches. Some decisions, such as to invest in fossil fuels or renewables, might involve selecting one option over the other. Others might address the ‘how’ question – we will invest in renewables but which ones are the best for the society? Each policy decision results in outcomes, some of which might be unforeseen, unexpected or even detrimental to those whose lives it is supposed to improve. In the long term, the overall harm can be much larger than gains in the short term. To achieve the positive and lasting results on the ground, policy makers need to be able to make informed decisions, after assessing the benefits and costs of each available option.

Air quality remains a hot topic for many Europeans Last month the European Environment Agency (EEA) released its latest ‘Air quality in Europe’ report which showed that while air quality is slowly improving, air pollution remains the single largest environmental health hazard in Europe. We sat down with Alberto González Ortiz, an EEA air quality expert, to discuss the report’s findings and how technologies like satellite imagery are helping to improve air quality research.

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Environmental pressures of heavy metal releases from Europe's industry

Publication 24 May 2018

The European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (E-PRTR) ensures public access to information on pollutant releases to the environment from Europe’s largest facilities. Updated E-PRTR data have recently been published by the EEA, including information on pollutant releases to the environment from some 33 000 facilities in Europe for the period 2007-2016. This briefing, based on updated E-PRTR data for 2016, presents information on heavy metal releases to air and water. It applies an eco-toxicity approach (USEtox model) to illustrate spatially the combined environmental pressures on Europe’s environment caused by releases of the selected pollutants.

Monitoring progress of Europe’s transport sector towards its environment, health and climate objectives

Publication 05 Dec 2017

The ‘Transport and Environment Reporting Mechanism’ (TERM) includes a number of indicators used for tracking the short and long-term environmental performance of the transport sector in the 28 Member States of the European Union (EU-28). This briefing presents the latest indicator-based assessment of progress being made towards key transport-related policy targets and objectives.

Air quality in Europe — 2017 report

Publication 11 Oct 2017

"Air quality in Europe — 2017 report" presents an updated analysis of air quality and its impacts, based on official data from more than 2 500 monitoring stations across Europe in 2015.

European Union emission inventory report 1990–2015 under the UNECE Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP)

Publication 12 Jul 2017

This document is the annual European Union (EU) emission inventory report under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP) (UNECE, 1979). The report and its accompanying data constitute the official submission by the European Commission on behalf of the EU as a Party to the Executive Secretary of UNECE.

Environmental pressures of heavy metal releases from Europe's industry The European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (E-PRTR) ensures public access to information on pollutant releases to the environment from Europe’s largest facilities. Updated E-PRTR data have recently been published by the EEA, including information on pollutant releases to the environment from some 33 000 facilities in Europe for the period 2007-2016. This briefing, based on updated E-PRTR data for 2016, presents information on heavy metal releases to air and water. It applies an eco-toxicity approach (USEtox model) to illustrate spatially the combined environmental pressures on Europe’s environment caused by releases of the selected pollutants.

Monitoring progress of Europe’s transport sector towards its environment, health and climate objectives The ‘Transport and Environment Reporting Mechanism’ (TERM) includes a number of indicators used for tracking the short and long-term environmental performance of the transport sector in the 28 Member States of the European Union (EU-28). This briefing presents the latest indicator-based assessment of progress being made towards key transport-related policy targets and objectives.

Air quality in Europe — 2017 report "Air quality in Europe — 2017 report" presents an updated analysis of air quality and its impacts, based on official data from more than 2 500 monitoring stations across Europe in 2015.

European Union emission inventory report 1990–2015 under the UNECE Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP) This document is the annual European Union (EU) emission inventory report under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP) (UNECE, 1979). The report and its accompanying data constitute the official submission by the European Commission on behalf of the EU as a Party to the Executive Secretary of UNECE.

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EEA Air quality animation

Video 29 Nov 2017

Air – it’s all around us. It’s what we breathe, and it’s vital to our health and well-being. Economic activities, such as transport, industry and agriculture, release air pollutants, harmful to the environment and human health. SHOW MORE

Shaping the future of energy in Europe - Clean, smart and renewable

Video 29 Nov 2017

Our quality of life depends, among other things, on a reliable supply of energy at an affordable price. We still burn fossil fuels to obtain most of the energy we use and combustion of fossil fuels affects us all in one way or another. It releases air pollutants into the atmosphere and harms our health. It also releases greenhouse gases and contributes to climate change. We are at a critical decision point in time: the negative impacts of our current energy choices on the one hand, and the opportunities that clean energy sources offer on the other. Signals 2017 looks into Europe’s transition towards clean, smart and renewable energy.

EEA Air quality animation Air – it’s all around us. It’s what we breathe, and it’s vital to our health and well-being. Economic activities, such as transport, industry and agriculture, release air pollutants, harmful to the environment and human health. SHOW MORE

Shaping the future of energy in Europe - Clean, smart and renewable Our quality of life depends, among other things, on a reliable supply of energy at an affordable price. We still burn fossil fuels to obtain most of the energy we use and combustion of fossil fuels affects us all in one way or another. It releases air pollutants into the atmosphere and harms our health. It also releases greenhouse gases and contributes to climate change. We are at a critical decision point in time: the negative impacts of our current energy choices on the one hand, and the opportunities that clean energy sources offer on the other. Signals 2017 looks into Europe’s transition towards clean, smart and renewable energy.

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Heavy metal releases to air by sector and sub-sector expressed in ecotoxicity, 2016

Data Visualization 22 May 2018

Reported data on large combustion plants covered by the Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU)

Data 04 May 2018

The European Union established an inventory of emissions from large combustion plants in 2004. The inventory was governed by the Directive on the limitation of emissions of certain pollutants into the air from large combustion plants (LCP Directive, 2001/80/EC) until 2015 year. As from 2016 reporting year, the reporting takes place according to the Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU, Article 72). Large Combustion Plants are those with a rated thermal input equal to or greater than 50 MW, irrespective of the type of fuel used. Power plants, steel works or district heating plants are examples of these type of plants.

The European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (E-PRTR), Member States reporting under Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No 166/2006

Data 30 Apr 2018

The European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (E-PRTR) is a web-based register established by Regulation (EC) No 166/2006 which implements the UNECE PRTR Protocol, signed in May 2003 in Kiev.

Industrial pollution in Europe

Indicator Assessment 22 Feb 2018

Europe aims to have a strong, growing and low-carbon industry with closed material cycles. Currently, industry remains a significant source of pollutant releases to Europe’s environment. Releases of pollutants to air and water by European industry have generally decreased during the last decade. Environmental regulation and improved pollutant abatement technology, among other factors, have led to decreasing pollutant releases to air and water in Europe. Soil contamination in Europe is, among other things, linked to industrial activity. Waste transfers from industrial facilities in the EU have remained relatively stable in the last decade.

Air emissions as a percentage of total EEA-33 pollutant emissions in 2015, by sector

Data Visualization 09 Feb 2018

EEA indicator

Exceedances of air quality objectives due to traffic

Indicator Assessment 07 Dec 2017

The annual EU limit value for nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) — one of the main air quality pollutants of concern, which is typically associated with vehicle emissions — was widely exceeded across Europe in 2015. Some 89 % o f these exceedances occurred at roadside monitoring locations. The EU limit values for the two categories of particulate matter ( PM 10 and PM 2.5 ) were exceeded at fewer locations and at around the same amount of traffic and background stations, in comparison with last year. This indicates the importance of other emission sources for these pollutants , such as commercial and institutional buildings, household heating, etc.

Annual mean NO2 concentrations observed at background stations, 2015

Figure 07 Dec 2017

The figure shows the annual mean concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) observed at background stations in 2015.

Annual mean PM2.5 concentrations observed at background stations, 2015

Figure 07 Dec 2017

The figure shows the annual mean concentrations of particulate matter (PM2.5) observed at background stations in 2015.

Air quality standards under the Air Quality Directive, and WHO air quality guidelines

Figure 30 Nov 2017

Table

Distance to emission reduction commitment

Figure 30 Nov 2017

Air pollution emissions trends from 2005, 2015 and trend 2020

Air quality index

GIS Map Application 16 Nov 2017

How clean is the air you’re breathing right now? How does the air in your city compare with that of a neighbouring city or region? Air pollution is the single largest environmental health risk in Europe. The European Environment Agency's European Air Quality Index allows users to understand more about air quality where they live. Displaying up-to-the-minute data for the whole of Europe, users can gain new insights into the air quality of individual countries, regions and cities.

EU urban population exposed to harmful levels of air pollutants in 2012 -2014

Infographic 23 Nov 2016

Vehicle emissions and efficiency

Infographic 29 Jun 2016

Fossil fuel powered road transport represents the most significant source of transport related air pollution. Each vehicle releases pollutants from a number of sources.

PM2.5 interpolated maps

GIS Map Application 16 Apr 2014

The maps were derived for 2007, 2008 and 2010 primarily from Airbase background station monitoring data, few EMEP station monitoring data, supplemented with altitude, meteorological ECMWF data and EMEP concentration modelling data. The dataset has been reorganised in order to improve data harmonization among years and to facilitate storage and processing of the interpolated maps for the EEA data services.

Heavy metal releases to air by sector and sub-sector expressed in ecotoxicity, 2016

Reported data on large combustion plants covered by the Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU) The European Union established an inventory of emissions from large combustion plants in 2004. The inventory was governed by the Directive on the limitation of emissions of certain pollutants into the air from large combustion plants (LCP Directive, 2001/80/EC) until 2015 year. As from 2016 reporting year, the reporting takes place according to the Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU, Article 72). Large Combustion Plants are those with a rated thermal input equal to or greater than 50 MW, irrespective of the type of fuel used. Power plants, steel works or district heating plants are examples of these type of plants.

The European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (E-PRTR), Member States reporting under Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No 166/2006 The European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (E-PRTR) is a web-based register established by Regulation (EC) No 166/2006 which implements the UNECE PRTR Protocol, signed in May 2003 in Kiev.

Industrial pollution in Europe Europe aims to have a strong, growing and low-carbon industry with closed material cycles. Currently, industry remains a significant source of pollutant releases to Europe’s environment. Releases of pollutants to air and water by European industry have generally decreased during the last decade. Environmental regulation and improved pollutant abatement technology, among other factors, have led to decreasing pollutant releases to air and water in Europe. Soil contamination in Europe is, among other things, linked to industrial activity. Waste transfers from industrial facilities in the EU have remained relatively stable in the last decade.

Air emissions as a percentage of total EEA-33 pollutant emissions in 2015, by sector EEA indicator

Exceedances of air quality objectives due to traffic The annual EU limit value for nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) — one of the main air quality pollutants of concern, which is typically associated with vehicle emissions — was widely exceeded across Europe in 2015. Some 89 % o f these exceedances occurred at roadside monitoring locations. The EU limit values for the two categories of particulate matter ( PM 10 and PM 2.5 ) were exceeded at fewer locations and at around the same amount of traffic and background stations, in comparison with last year. This indicates the importance of other emission sources for these pollutants , such as commercial and institutional buildings, household heating, etc.

Annual mean NO2 concentrations observed at background stations, 2015 The figure shows the annual mean concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) observed at background stations in 2015.

Annual mean PM2.5 concentrations observed at background stations, 2015 The figure shows the annual mean concentrations of particulate matter (PM2.5) observed at background stations in 2015.

Air quality standards under the Air Quality Directive, and WHO air quality guidelines Table

Distance to emission reduction commitment Air pollution emissions trends from 2005, 2015 and trend 2020

Air quality index How clean is the air you’re breathing right now? How does the air in your city compare with that of a neighbouring city or region? Air pollution is the single largest environmental health risk in Europe. The European Environment Agency's European Air Quality Index allows users to understand more about air quality where they live. Displaying up-to-the-minute data for the whole of Europe, users can gain new insights into the air quality of individual countries, regions and cities.

EU urban population exposed to harmful levels of air pollutants in 2012 -2014

Vehicle emissions and efficiency Fossil fuel powered road transport represents the most significant source of transport related air pollution. Each vehicle releases pollutants from a number of sources.

PM2.5 interpolated maps The maps were derived for 2007, 2008 and 2010 primarily from Airbase background station monitoring data, few EMEP station monitoring data, supplemented with altitude, meteorological ECMWF data and EMEP concentration modelling data. The dataset has been reorganised in order to improve data harmonization among years and to facilitate storage and processing of the interpolated maps for the EEA data services.

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Environmental pressures of heavy metal releases from Europe's industry

Publication 24 May 2018

Environmental pressures from industry’s heavy metal pollution decreasing

News 24 May 2018

Heavy metal releases to air by sector and sub-sector expressed in ecotoxicity, 2016

Data Visualization 22 May 2018

Reported data on large combustion plants covered by the Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU)

Data 04 May 2018

Vote for best ‘I LIVE GREEN’ videos

News 01 May 2018

The European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (E-PRTR), Member States reporting under Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No 166/2006

Data 30 Apr 2018

The European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (E-PRTR) is a web-based register established by Regulation (EC) No 166/2006 which implements the UNECE PRTR Protocol, signed in May 2003 in Kiev.