POLLUTION IN EUROPE

Air pollution is causing around 467,000 premature deaths in Europe every year.People in urban areas are especially at risk, with around 85% exposed to fine particulate matter, at levels deemed harmful by the World Health Organization (WHO).

How big is the problem?

It's pretty bad. Within the European Union (EU), more than 430,000 people died prematurely due to pollution in 2013, the most recent year with figures available.

Most of the pollution is relised by vehicles and heating boilers.

What's the damage?

PM particles may contain smoke, dust, soot, metals, nitrates, sulphates, water and rubber from tyres.

They can get deep into your lungs, causing irritation and inflammation, and some may make it into your bloodstream.

Heart disease and lung conditions are most commonly linked to inhaling air pollution, but your liver, spleen, central nervous system, brain, and even reproductive system can also be damaged.

Is Europe worse than elsewhere?

Probably not. According to WHO data released two months ago, nine out of 10 people on the planet now breathe polluted air.

Europe is less affected by indoor air pollution, which the WHO cites as a major killer in large parts of south Asia.