Overview

• The study attributes most of the savings to fewer premature deaths from PM2.5, with benefits valued using European methodologies.
• Premature deaths linked to fine particles fell by about 40% over the decade, from roughly 10,350 in 2010 to 6,220 in 2019.
• Regional spending on monitoring and air-quality actions rose from €468 million in 2010 to €875 million in 2019, totaling just over €5 billion.
• Health impacts represent about 93% of identified costs, while damages to buildings and agricultural yields are lower and likely undercounted, with biodiversity, climate and property effects not quantified.
• The release comes as national protests against low-emission zones are planned following a May vote in the National Assembly to abolish them, a move not yet finalized.