Air Pollution in EU Linked to Nearly 240,000 Deaths Annually

A new report from the European Environment Agency highlights the ongoing health and environmental toll of air pollution, while noting significant progress in reducing related deaths since 2005.

The European Environment Agency (EEA) estimates that 239,000 deaths annually in the EU are tied to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution, with additional deaths linked to ozone and nitrogen dioxide exposure.
Air pollutant levels across Europe remain significantly above World Health Organization (WHO) recommended thresholds, and adhering to these guidelines could prevent many of these fatalities.
The report also warns that nearly 75% of European ecosystems are exposed to harmful air pollution levels, which further damages biodiversity and natural habitats.
Between 2005 and 2022, deaths attributed to PM2.5 pollution in the EU decreased by 45%, with the EU on track to meet a 55% reduction target by 2030.
New EU air quality regulations, aligning closer to WHO standards, have recently taken effect to further mitigate health and environmental impacts in the coming years.