Air quality

The air we breathe contains emissions from motor vehicles, industry, heating and commercial sources, as well as tobacco smoke and household fuels. Air pollution harms human health, particularly in those already vulnerable because of their age or existing health problems.

Evidence shows that air pollution at current levels in European cities is responsible for a significant burden of deaths, hospital admissions and exacerbation of symptoms, especially for cardiorespiratory disease.

Evidence shows that air pollution at current levels in European cities is responsible for a significant burden of deaths, hospital admissions and exacerbation of symptoms. Exposure to air pollutants is largely beyond individuals’ control and requires action by public authorities at the national, regional and even international levels.

While the hazardous properties of many common pollutants are still under intensive research, evidence-based policies demonstrate that health protection is possible and effective. For example, phasing out leaded petrol decreases blood lead levels in children and reduces their risk for impaired neurobehavioural development. Controlling air pollution, both indoor and outdoor, can significantly prevent diseases.

WHO/Europe works to make sure that the available evidence on the health risks of air pollution is used in public debate and in policy-making. 

WHO/Europe reviews scientific evidence on the health effects of air pollution and provides evidence-based guidance to policy-makers on how to protect public health. It also helps countries build capacity to assess health risks from air pollution and develop sustainable policies on air quality.

Activities range from developing methods to quantify health risks to supporting the implementation of international legal instruments such as the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution, coordinating major international projects on air pollution and health, and providing guidance and technical support to the regular update of the WHO Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs), used as a reference tool to help decision-makers across the world in setting standards and goals for air quality management.