Europe’s air quality has shown significant improvement since 2003, but unhealthy pollution remains prevalent

The average concentration of small, fine particles (afternoon_2.5 and the prime minister_Ten) decreased across Europe between 2003 and 2019, with the largest decrease in PM_TenAccording to a new study published in the journal Nature that looks at trends over the past two decades. Despite improved air quality, more than 98 of Europe’s population lives in the region. Exceeds annual standards recommended by WHO PM level_2.5is the pollutant most closely associated with premature mortality, with nitrogen dioxide (NO) accounting for more than 86.34%.₂), are associated with impaired lung development and chronic lung disease.

The study of trends in 35 European countries was led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal). We estimated daily ambient concentrations of four pollutants based on machine learning techniques and assessed the number of days exceeding the WHO’s 2021 guidelines.

Especially PM_Ten Level decreased the most during the study period, decreasing by 2.72% per year, followed by NO.₂ and the prime minister_2.5, decreased by 2.45% and 1.72% annually, respectively. Of note is that the number of “dirty air days” for PM2.5, the pollutant most closely associated with negative health effects, exceeded WHO guideline levels. 15 micrograms of pollutants per cubic meter (15 μg/m³) According to the study, this decreased from about 150 days in 2002 to about 90 days in 2019.

According to the European Environment Agency, more than 250,000 people in the European Union are estimated to have died from cardiovascular, respiratory and cancer diseases linked to air pollution.

An estimated 569,000 premature deaths occurred in 2019 in the wider European region, which includes Scandinavia, Turkey, Russia and the independent republics of the former Soviet Union, according to the WHO.

While the health effects of PM2.5 are most commonly measured, ozone (O3), along with NO2, is responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality associated with asthma and chronic respiratory diseases.

Most significant reduction in PM_2.5 and the prime minister_Ten was observed in central Europe, but for NO.₂ They were mainly found in urban areas of Western Europe.

Southern and Eastern Europe remain PM pollution hotspots_2.5 and the prime minister_Ten highest levels in northern Italy and eastern Europe, while PM_Ten Levels were highest in southern Europe. Similarly, O₃ Southern Europe saw an increase of 0.58%, while the rest of the continent showed a decreasing or non-significant trend. In summer, temperatures are high and sunlight is strong, leading to an increase in O.₃ Formed by chemical reaction with NO₂ and other contaminants.

High NO₂ Levels related to vehicle emissions are mainly observed in northern Italy, but also in some parts of Western Europe, including southern England, Belgium and the Netherlands, the study found.

Main factors for reduction

Dr. Zhaoyue Chen, lead author of the study, said there is a trend towards stricter European Union regulations aimed at improving air quality.

“The European Union has implemented various regulations and directives aimed at reducing emissions, such as the Air Quality Directive (2008), which sets air quality standards, and national regulations targeting specific pollutants. “Emission Reduction Commitment Directive (2016), etc. And the efforts of each local government,” he said. Health Policy Watch.

“But we are still far from enjoying Europe’s clean air. Most Europeans still breathe unhealthy air,” he added.

“According to our research, 98.10%, 80.15% and 86.34% of the European population live in areas that exceed the annual standards for PM2.5, PM10 and NO2 recommended by the WHO, respectively, but at peak ozone (O3) No country met the annual criteria for the season from 2003 to 2019. ”

In late February, the European Council, which represents the EU’s political leadership, finalized a new EU Air Quality Directive that would further strengthen the EU’s air quality standards and reduce permissible pollution levels from the current annual average of 25 levels. Agreed with the European Parliament. μg/m³ to 10μg/m³ 40 μg/m3 to 20 μg/m3 for PM2.5 and 20 μg/m3 for NO2. However, these standards are still twice the guideline limits for each contaminant recommended by the WHO.

The new EU directive also requires member states to meet the new standards by 2030, overcoming political pressure to delay implementation until 2035. However, member states may extend the 2030 compliance deadline under strict conditions, such as climate change factors. Final agreement.

Anne Stauffer, deputy director of the Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL), said that despite its shortcomings, the EU deal was a “huge step forward”.

“Unfortunately, this compromise falls short of fully reflecting scientific recommendations, but this policy has significant potential to reduce human suffering, prevent disease, and achieve economic savings,” Stauffer said. There is a possibility.”

Current EU air quality standards still “need to be more closely aligned with the WHO’s new guidelines,” Chen said, referring to the more stringent standards recommended by the World Health Organization.

“We are aware that the EU is still exploring ways to bring EU air quality standards in line with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO),” he added. “If that happens, I believe it will be good news for public health because it will reduce the exposure of people to harmful air.”

Image credit: Mariold, Nature, 2024 , Nature, Nature.