Premature deaths related to air pollution in the European Union 2021, by pollutant
Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations above WHO AQ limits was responsible for more than 250,000 premature deaths across the European Union (EU-27) in 2021. Meanwhile, exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) concentrations above guideline levels led to an additional 52,000 premature deaths in the EU that year. Air pollution can cause many health issues, such as lung cancer, asthma, and strokes.