15:24 11 November 2024
HIgh concentrations of PM2.5 found over Vistula
Poland is among the European countries with the highest levels of PM2.5 particulate matter. The main cause of poor air quality is "low emissions," mainly from the burning of solid fuels like coal for home heating, particularly in rural areas. The European Environment Agency reports that air quality is improving in Europe, but pollution remains above recommended levels, especially in cities. Nearly all urban Europeans (96%) are exposed to harmful PM2.5 levels.
In Poland, transportation, energy, and industry also contribute, though less significantly. To address this, the EU’s Zero Pollution Action Plan aims to reduce premature deaths from PM2.5 by 55% by 2030, with a long-term goal of eliminating harmful pollution by 2050.
