Deaths from air pollution have decreased in the EU. The highest death rates were recorded in Bulgaria, Poland and Hungary.
Air pollution caused 357,000 deaths in the European Union in 2022, but your risk depends largely on where you live. Most of these deaths are due to exposure to fine particulate matter, or PM2.5. dust, smoke and exhaust gases. But tens of thousands more are caused by nitrogen dioxide from burning fuel, as well as ozone contained in ‘smoke’.
Air pollution related to many health problemssuch as heart and respiratory diseases, stroke, diabetes, lung cancer and complications during birth. Exposure is especially dangerous to humans olderYes kids And people with health problems pre.
North Macedonia It recorded the worst death rate from europe There were 255 premature deaths due to exposure to fine particles per 100,000 people in 2021. They were later placed SerbiaThe death rate is 217 and MontenegroWith 174 odds.
Bulgaria It recorded the worst death rate of the EUwith 158 premature deaths per 100,000, followed by Poland (125) years Hungary (107). Although the number of deaths related to PM2.5 Dropped 45% between 2005 and 2022, The European Environment Agency confirms He said air pollution “remains the biggest environmental health risk in Europe”.
EEA also warns that air pollution is damaging Europe’s economy rising healthcare costsreduced life expectancy and reduced labor productivity. Air pollution also harms the environment including water and soil quality.
In 2024, the EU approved stricter air quality standards with the aim of bringing pollution levels closer to global health standards. The directive also gives citizens who suffer from health problems caused by pollution the right to take their government to court if it does not comply with the rules.
video editor • Mert Can Yilmaz
