"Air pollution is harmful to human health and ecosystems. Much of the population does not live in a healthy environment, according to current standards. In order to pursue a sustainable path, Europe will have to show ambition and not just the current legislation."

Hans Bruyninckx, Chief Executive Officer
European Environment Agency

Particles represent the atmospheric pollutant that most affects people's health in Europe. Think of particles as dusty so fine that they can float in the air.

Some particles are so small that they not only penetrate very deeply into our lungs but also get into the blood, just like oxygen.

Some particles are emitted directly into the atmosphere. Others are the result of chemical reactions involving precursor gases, such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ammonia and volatile organic compounds.