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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Environment
Matthew Taylor and Pamela Duncan

Revealed: almost everyone in Europe is breathing toxic air

A map of Europe showing air pollution across the continent
Only 2% of Europeans breathe air within WHO guidelines for fine particulate pollution, with 30 million living in areas four times over those limits. Composite: Guardian Design/Getty Images

Europe is facing a “severe public health crisis”, with almost everyone across the continent living in areas with dangerous levels of air pollution, an investigation by the Guardian has found.

Analysis of data gathered using cutting-edge methodology – including detailed satellite images and measurements from more than 1,400 ground monitoring stations – reveals a dire picture of dirty air, with 98% of people living in areas with highly damaging fine particulate pollution that exceed World Health Organization guidelines. Almost two-thirds live in areas where air quality is more than double the WHO’s guidelines.

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