Premature deaths due to exposure to fine particulate matter in Europe (Indicator)

Key message: From 2005 to 2022, there was a decrease of 45% in premature deaths in the EU attributable to fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) concentrations above the 2021 World Health Organization (WHO) guideline level of 5µg/m³. The European Commission’s Third Clean Air Outlook projects that the EU will reach the zero pollution action plan target by 2030 if policies on air, climate and energy are adequately implemented.

Air pollution, primarily from PM_2.5, poses a significant health risk in Europe. The European Commission, as part of the European Green Deal and the Zero Pollution Action Plan, is committed to improving air quality. One aspect of this work is to better align EU air quality standards with the latest WHO recommendations and reduce premature deaths attributable to PM_2.5 by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 2005.

To this end, a revision of the current ambient air quality directives began in 2022. The revised Directive (EU) 2024/2881 entried into force on 10 December 2024 and it introduces new standards to be attained in 2030 that align closer with WHO recommendations and an obligation to monitor additional pollutants such as ultrafine particles and ammonia.

Between 2005 and 2022, premature deaths attributable to PM2.5 exposure above the WHO air quality guideline level fell by 45% in the EU-27 due to a decrease in the concentrations of PM_2.5 and associated population exposure.

If the trend seen over the past 17 years continues, there will be a decrease of 63% in premature mortality attributable to PM_2.5 by 2030, compared to 2005 levels. In addition, according to the Third Clean Air Outlook (EU, 2022), the target is expected to be overreached if planned clean air measures are implemented together with the climate and energy policies of the Fit for 55 package. The outlook foresees a reduction of 66% by 2030 if these conditions are met.

Please consult the relevant indicators and signals below for a more comprehensive overview on the topic.

Zero Pollution Action Plan 2030 target or policy objectives

Reduce by more than 55% the health impacts (premature deaths) of air pollution.

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Health

Zero pollution monitoring assessment

Other relevant indicators and signals

Exceedance of air quality standards in Europe (Indicator)

Morbidity due to exposure to air pollution (Signal)

Inequity in exposure to air pollution (Indicator)

Impact of air pollution on mental health (Signal)

References and footnotes

EU, 2021, Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions ‘Pathway to a Healthy Planet for All EU Action Plan: ‘Towards Zero Pollution for Air, Water and Soil’’ (COM/2021/400 final).
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EU, 2022, Report from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, ‘The Third Clean Air Outlook’ (COM/2022/673 final).
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