Annual average number of PM2.5 unclean air days in Europe 2003-2019, by country
Serbia experienced the highest number of PM2.5 unclean air days in Europe from 2003 to 2019. On average, there were 326 days in which PM2.5 concentrations in Serbia exceeded World Health Organization Air Quality guidelines. The highest number of PM2.5 unclean air days were mostly observed in Eastern European countries during this period.
PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) are small particles that can embed themselves deep into the lung and have been linked to numerous health problems including heart disease, cancer, and premature births. Every year, there are more than 250,000 premature deaths due to PM2.5 exposure throughout Europe.
