Atmospheric pollutants can cause illness and reduce human life expectancy. They also contribute to plant disease, corrosion, soiling, eutrophication, acidification and climate change.
Swedish environmental quality objectives and environmental quality standards are designed to improve air quality. Much remains to be done, however, as there are so many sources of air pollution. International cooperation is indispensable if we are to have clean air to breathe in the future.
Impacts on health
Urban air pollutants can cause or exacerbate cardiovascular disease, cancer, allergies, asthma and lung disease. The pollutants that are estimated to cause considerable health impact in Sweden are particulates and ground level ozone.
Furter action is needed
Even though emissions have been declining, Swedish towns still suffer from air pollution, with some pollutants actually on the increase. The growth in motor traffic and the use of studded tyres during winter time are the primary causes of poor air quality in Swedish towns.
Polluted winds
Because of the prevailing southerly and south-westerly winds in our region, Sweden is often on the receiving end of air pollution from elsewhere in Europe.