Indicator 11.52 Premature deaths due to exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5)

This indicator estimates the number of premature deaths attributable to long-term exposure to concentrations of PM2.5 above 5µg/m3 (the World Health Organization’s guideline level). PM2.5 are particulates whose diameter is less than 2.5 micrometres and which can be carried deep into the lungs where they can cause inflammation and exacerbate the condition of people suffering heart and lung diseases.

is used to monitor progress towards SDG 11 on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable and SDG 3 on good health and well-being. SDG 11 is embedded in the European Commission’s Priorities under ‘A new era for European Defence and Security’, ‘Supporting people, strengthening our societies and our social model’, ‘Sustaining our quality of life: food security, water and nature’ and ‘Protecting our democracy, upholding our values’. SDG 3 is embedded in the European Commission’s Priorities under ‘Supporting people, strengthening our societies and our social model’.

The EU addresses the problem of air pollution through its specific air quality and industrial emissions legislation such as the Clean Air Package and the directives adopted by the Council and the European Parliament in relation to ambient air quality, as well as through co-benefits resulting from implementation of certain climate policies. The Action Plan Towards a Zero Pollution for Air, Water and Soil’ includes the target of reducing the health impacts due to air pollution by 55 % by 2030, compared with 2005. The monitoring framework for the 8th Environment Action Programme uses the number of premature deaths as a headline indicator with the target to reduce the number of permature deaths due to PM2.5 by 55 % by 2030, compared with 2005.

The long-term objective for this indicator is a value of 5.