the-biggest-cause-of-premature-death-in-europe-infopostAir pollution is the biggest cause number of premature deaths in Europe, with 467,000 deaths caused in 2013. In the EU28, deaths due to breathing fine particles were 436,000, 23,900 of which occurred in the State. Air quality has improved in Europe thanks to reduced emissions, but not enough to prevent unacceptable damage to human health and the environment, according to the Report on Air Quality of the European Environment Agency.

Although air quality is generally better, in some sectors the emission reduction targets necessary to meet the necessary standards have not been achieved. The report notes in particular that nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions – largely caused by diesel cars – have not necessarily decreased. Nitrogen dioxide caused 71,000 premature deaths in Europe and 4,280 in Spain.

About 85% of the European urban population are exposed to breathing fine suspended particles – mostly generated by the combustion of fossil fuels – at levels considered harmful by the World Health Organization, according to data obtained in 400 cities of 41 countries of the old continent. 8% breathe suspended particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5), which can reach the lungs and blood supply, at levels higher than the targets set by the European Commission.

According to has reacted the European Environment Commissioner Karmenu Vella , “if many of the black spots of air pollution are found in cities and urban areas, it is clear that local and regional authorities play a central role in finding solutions.”