Air Pollution in Europe. Issue 1 (21st December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Koolen, Cedric D.; Rothenberg, Gadi
• Is Part Of: ChemSusChem. Volume 12:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 164
• Page End: 172
• Publication Date: 2018-12-21
• Subjects: environmental policy -- health risk -- nitrogen oxides -- ozone -- particulate matter; Green chemistry -- Periodicals; Sustainable engineering -- Periodicals; Chemistry -- Periodicals; Chemical engineering -- Periodicals; 660
• DOI: 10.1002/cssc.201802292
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1864-5631

Abstract

Abstract: In this short critical perspective, we outline the serious problems caused by air pollution in Europe. Using two types of metrics, level assessment and trend assessment, we quantify the contribution of ammonia, NO x, SO x, non‐methane volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter in terms of years of life lost per capita and explain the connection between the various pollutants and their effects on human health and the environment. This is done on the basis of data collected by individual European Union (EU) member states as well as by the EU as a whole. We examine general emission trends as well as sector‐specific emissions and discuss the effectiveness of current legislation in reducing health risks and environmental damage. By combining these results with a cost–benefit analysis, we show that a further reduction in NO x emissions is the most urgent and potentially the most beneficial. Abstract : Pollution matters : We assess the health and environmental risks of air pollution, identify the pollutants whose mitigation is the most urgent and most beneficial, and highlight the sectors in which this mitigation should be done.