NEC Directive reporting status 2017 - The need to reduce air pollution in Europe

Briefing

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NEC Directive reporting status 2017 - The need to reduce air pollution in Europe

Briefing Published 03 Jul 2017 Last modified 25 Mar 2021

10 min read

Photo: © Greta De Metsenaere, ImaginAIR /EEA

Air pollution is the single largest environmental health risk in Europe, and can cause respiratory problems and shorten lifespans. It also contributes to the acidification of soil and surface water, causes eutrophication in sensitive habitats and can damage vegetation through exposure to ozone (EEA, 2016).