Air pollution’s deadly toll
Air pollution continues to claim thousands of lives annually in Europe, with Greece seeing 10,700 premature deaths linked to airborne particulate matter, according to the European Environment Agency’s annual report.
More specifically, the report highlights that 239,000 Europeans died in 2022 due to suspended particulate matter (PM 2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone exposure.
Greece also faces significant health risks, with 2,200 premature deaths attributed to nitrogen dioxide exposure and 2,300 to ozone levels exceeding safe limits.
While air pollution in Europe has decreased gradually, harmful pollutants still result in considerable fatalities.
The report underscores the importance of adjusting public health policies to address these concerns. The greatest numbers of deaths from particulate matter were recorded in Italy, Poland, and Germany.
In Greece, exposure to PM 2.5 remains a significant health concern, with the country ranking among the highest in Europe for air quality-related deaths. The report also touches on the economic impact, citing agricultural losses from ozone-related damage, with Greece’s potato production alone losing €1.72 million in 2022.
Starting on Wednesday, stricter European air quality regulations take effect, reducing the permissible levels of pollutants, with significant reductions in PM 2.5 thresholds.
Kathimerini
