Pollution is a major global problem. It causes many chronic diseases and millions of premature deaths worldwide. In the EU, hundreds of thousands of premature deaths are attributed to ambient air pollution. Pollutants of particular concern are particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) which, in 2019, contributed to 307,000 and 40,400 premature deaths respectively.

When other consequences are factored in (e.g. lost workdays, higher healthcare expenditure, damage to buildings), the sense of urgency to address the problem becomes evident. Studies that attempt to put a price on air pollution show that inaction or a lack of action is more costly than efforts to curb it. Specifically, estimates show that compliance with EU’s legislation on air quality costs member states around €80 billion per year, whereas the cost burden of air pollution on health and economic activities is estimated to be in excess of €300 billion.

Tackling something as complex as air pollution requires a multi-pronged strategy. At a fundamental level, steps need to be taken in a multitude of areas: transport, energy, built environment, agriculture, waste management, consumption, production. Although environmental monitoring per se does not reduce air pollution, there are at least three ways in which it helps address the problem indirectly: 

• By enhancing our understanding of pollution’s impact on people and planet

• By educating the public about pollution’s harmful effects

• By providing an evidence base for more informed policies and lifestyle choices

Urban air pollution: vulnerable groups, health impact, role of citizen science

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