Air Pollution in Europe: New Study Finds Almost Everyone Breathing Toxic Air

A new study published in the journal _The Lancet_ has found that almost the whole of Europe is breathing toxic air.

The study, which was conducted by an international team of scientists, analyzed data from over 1,400 ground monitoring stations and satellite images.

The study found that 98% of people in Europe live in areas with levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that exceed World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. PM2.5 is a type of air pollution that is made up of tiny particles that can enter the lungs and bloodstream. Exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to a number of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and respiratory infections.

The study also found that the concentration of PM2.5 in the air in many parts of Europe is double the WHO standard. In some countries, such as Serbia and North Macedonia, the concentration of PM2.5 is four times the WHO standard.

The study's authors warn that the high levels of air pollution in Europe are a "severe public health crisis." They call on governments to take urgent action to reduce air pollution, such as by investing in renewable energy, reducing emissions from vehicles, and improving energy efficiency in buildings.

Almost the whole of Europe is breathing toxic air - The Guardian's research together with an association of scientists

It turned out that the concentration of solids in the air exceeds the WHO allowable standard by two times. The research shows that just 2% of Europe's… pic.twitter.com/4ST4noyJmt

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