MARCHES Policy Brief: How Do Scientists Determine The Health Risks From Air Pollution?

Air pollution is a major global health issue. It is not limited to urban areas, but is pervasive in nearly all cities, with the negative effects spilling over to ecological and economic systems. Pollutants like particulate matter (PM), specifically PM2.5 and PM10, NO2 and ozone are linked to higher rates of chronic diseases. Short-term effects include coughing, headaches, and asthma, while long-term exposure can damage vital organs and contribute to non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, cancer, pulmonary disease, diabetes, and even mental health conditions. Although air pollution levels have declined over the past decades in Europe, only a handful of regions meet the safe concentration levels recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2021.