Environment

Background

The quality of our local living environment has a direct impact on our health. Protecting our natural surroundings therefore remains a long-term priority for both our generation and those to come. Each country in the OECD has their own unique environmental concerns, due to differences in consumption, pollution, climate, industry and trade. However, countries also need to work together as certain environmental problems, like air pollution and ozone destruction, do not respect national borders and can have a spill over effect.

Air Pollution

Outdoor air pollution is one important environmental issue that directly affects the quality of peoples’ lives. Air pollution in urban centres, often caused by transport and the use of small-scale burning of wood or coal, is linked to a range of health problems, from minor eye irritation to upper respiratory symptoms in the short-term and chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer in the long-term. Some of these complications require hospital treatment, and may be fatal. Children and the elderly may be particularly vulnerable.

PM10 – tiny particulate matter small enough to be inhaled into the deepest part of the lung – is monitored in OECD countries because it can harm human health and reduce life expectancy. In the last two decades, PM10 concentrations have significantly decreased in many OECD countries, yet at 22 micrograms per cubic meter on average, they are still above the annual guideline limit of 20 micrograms per cubic meter set by the World Health Organisation. For the year 2000, exposure to PM10 caused approximately 960 000 premature deaths.

Despite national and international interventions and decreases in major pollutant emissions, the health impacts of air pollution are not likely to decrease in the years ahead, unless appropriate action is taken.

Top Ranking

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Indicators

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Environment in Detail by Country

Australia

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Key Findings

Outdoor air pollution is one important environmental issue that directly affects the quality of peoples’ lives. Air pollution in urban centres, often caused by transport and the use of small-scale burning of wood or coal, is linked to a range of health problems, from minor eye irritation to upper respiratory symptoms in the short-term and chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer in the long-term. Children and the elderly may be particularly vulnerable.

PM10 – tiny particulate matter small enough to be inhaled into the deepest part of the lung – is monitored in OECD countries because it can harm human health and reduce life expectancy. In Australia, PM10 levels are 14.3 micrograms per cubic meter, lower than the OECD average of 22 micrograms per cubic meter.

Indicators

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Austria

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Key Findings

Outdoor air pollution is one important environmental issue that directly affects the quality of peoples’ lives. Air pollution in urban centres, often caused by transport and the use of small-scale burning of wood or coal, is linked to a range of health problems, from minor eye irritation to upper respiratory symptoms in the short-term and chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer in the long-term. Children and the elderly may be particularly vulnerable.

PM10 – tiny particulate matter small enough to be inhaled into the deepest part of the lung – is monitored in OECD countries because it can harm human health and reduce life expectancy. In Austria, PM10 levels are 29 micrograms per cubic meter, higher than the OECD average of 22 micrograms per cubic meter.

Better Policies for Better Lives

Protecting the Alps

The Alps are particularly sensitive to climate change. Recent warming there has been roughly three times the global average. The years 1994, 2000, 2002, and 2003 were the warmest on record in the Alps in the last 500 years. Austria (where half the tourism income, or 4.5% of the national economy, is from winter tourism) is more sensitive than most European countries to any climate change. With climate change, the natural snow-reliability of the Austrian ski areas will decrease substantially.

Indicators

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Belgium

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Key Findings

Outdoor air pollution is one important environmental issue that directly affects the quality of peoples’ lives. Air pollution in urban centres, often caused by transport and the use of small-scale burning of wood or coal, is linked to a range of health problems, from minor eye irritation to upper respiratory symptoms in the short-term and chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer in the long-term. Children and the elderly may be particularly vulnerable.

PM10 – tiny particulate matter small enough to be inhaled into the deepest part of the lung – is monitored in OECD countries because it can harm human health and reduce life expectancy. In Belgium, PM10 levels are 21.3 micrograms per cubic meter, close to the OECD average of 22 micrograms per cubic meter. The Flemish study on air pollution and noise suggests that PM10 particles are responsible for the loss of one-third of a healthy life year of each Fleming, on average.

Indicators

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Canada

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Key Findings

Outdoor air pollution is one important environmental issue that directly affects the quality of peoples’ lives. Air pollution in urban centres, often caused by transport and the use of small-scale burning of wood or coal, is linked to a range of health problems, from minor eye irritation to upper respiratory symptoms in the short-term and chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer in the long-term. Children and the elderly may be particularly vulnerable.

PM10 – tiny particulate matter small enough to be inhaled into the deepest part of the lung – is monitored in OECD countries because it can harm human health and reduce life expectancy. In Canada, PM10 levels are 15 micrograms per cubic meter, lower than the OECD average of 22 micrograms per cubic meter.

Indicators

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Chile

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Key Findings

Outdoor air pollution is one important environmental issue that directly affects the quality of peoples’ lives. Air pollution in urban centres, often caused by transport and the use of small-scale burning of wood or coal, is linked to a range of health problems, from minor eye irritation to upper respiratory symptoms in the short-term and chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer in the long-term. Children and the elderly may be particularly vulnerable.

PM10 – tiny particulate matter small enough to be inhaled into the deepest part of the lung – is monitored in OECD countries because it can harm human health and reduce life expectancy. In Chile, PM10 levels are 61.5 micrograms per cubic meter, much higher than the OECD average of 22 micrograms per cubic meter and by far the highest level in the OECD.

Indicators

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Czech Republic

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Key Findings

Outdoor air pollution is one important environmental issue that directly affects the quality of peoples’ lives. Air pollution in urban centres, often caused by transport and the use of small-scale burning of wood or coal, is linked to a range of health problems, from minor eye irritation to upper respiratory symptoms in the short-term and chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer in the long-term. Children and the elderly may be particularly vulnerable.

PM10 – tiny particulate matter small enough to be inhaled into the deepest part of the lung – is monitored in OECD countries because it can harm human health and reduce life expectancy. In the Czech Republic, PM10 levels are 18.5 micrograms per cubic meter, lower than the OECD average of 22 micrograms per cubic meter.

Indicators

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Denmark

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Key Findings

Outdoor air pollution is one important environmental issue that directly affects the quality of peoples’ lives. Air pollution in urban centres, often caused by transport and the use of small-scale burning of wood or coal, is linked to a range of health problems, from minor eye irritation to upper respiratory symptoms in the short-term and chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer in the long-term. Children and the elderly may be particularly vulnerable.

PM10 – tiny particulate matter small enough to be inhaled into the deepest part of the lung – is monitored in OECD countries because it can harm human health and reduce life expectancy. In Denmark, PM10 levels are 16.3 micrograms per cubic meter, lower than the OECD average of 22 micrograms per cubic meter.

Better Policies for Better Lives

Cycling in Denmark is both a means of transportation and a means to good health. Copenhagen is known far and wide as the “City of Cyclists” due to its cycling tradition and its “City Bikes” which are specifically designed for hire. In Copenhagen, 34% of commuters use their bicycle for going to and from work. The proportion of trips made by bicycle in Copenhagen is among the highest in major European cities. This contributes greatly to the city’s relatively favourable traffic and environmental situation. An analysis of the socio-economic consequences of investing in cycling showed cost-benefit ratios much higher than normally expected from transport projects. Concerning health benefits, studies have shown that people who bike to work have a 28% lower mortality rate than the population average.

To improve traffic conditions and encourage cycling, the city is carrying out work in nine focus areas: creation of more cycle tracks and reinforced cycle lanes; creation of green cycle routes; improved cycling conditions in the city centre; combining cycling and public transport; bicycle parking; improved signal intersections; better cycle track maintenance; better cycle track cleaning; campaigns and information.

Indicators

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Estonia

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Key Findings

Outdoor air pollution is one important environmental issue that directly affects the quality of peoples’ lives. Air pollution in urban centres, often caused by transport and the use of small-scale burning of wood or coal, is linked to a range of health problems, from minor eye irritation to upper respiratory symptoms in the short-term and chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer in the long-term. Children and the elderly may be particularly vulnerable.

PM10 – tiny particulate matter small enough to be inhaled into the deepest part of the lung – is monitored in OECD countries because it can harm human health and reduce life expectancy. In Estonia, PM10 levels are 12.6 micrograms per cubic meter, much lower than the OECD average of 22 micrograms per cubic meter and one of the lowest rates in the OECD.

Indicators

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Finland

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Key Findings

Outdoor air pollution is one important environmental issue that directly affects the quality of peoples’ lives. Air pollution in urban centres, often caused by transport and the use of small-scale burning of wood or coal, is linked to a range of health problems, from minor eye irritation to upper respiratory symptoms in the short-term and chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer in the long-term. Children and the elderly may be particularly vulnerable.

PM10 – tiny particulate matter small enough to be inhaled into the deepest part of the lung – is monitored in OECD countries because it can harm human health and reduce life expectancy. In Finland, PM10 levels are 14.9 micrograms per cubic meter, lower than the OECD average of 22 micrograms per cubic meter.

Urban air quality in Finland is generally good, and people living in cities have relatively low exposure to air pollution by ozone and PM10 by EU standards. However, exposure to particulate matter from small scale wood burning is common, especially in rural and semi-urban areas where district heating is not available.

Better Policies for Better Lives

Reduced noise leads to a healthier environment

Efforts to reduce noise have a long history in Finland, as a low-noise environment is considered part of healthy and pleasant living conditions. Regulations (e.g. speed limit in city centres, noise emission thresholds, regulations of aircraft take-off and landing) and investments (e.g. low-noise pavements, noise barriers, renewal of rail fleet and rail maintenance) have all been implemented. As a result, the number of inhabitants living in areas exposed to daytime noise from city traffic above 55 dB has been reduced from 560 000 in 1998 to around 400 000 in 2005.

The City of Helsinki also contributed EUR 18 million to the construction of 16 km of noise barriers between 2000 and 2007. These noise abatement measures have benefited about two-thirds of the exposed inhabitants.

Indicators

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France

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Key Findings

Outdoor air pollution is one important environmental issue that directly affects the quality of peoples’ lives. Air pollution in urban centres, often caused by transport and the use of small-scale burning of wood or coal, is linked to a range of health problems, from minor eye irritation to upper respiratory symptoms in the short-term and chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer in the long-term. Children and the elderly may be particularly vulnerable.

PM10 – tiny particulate matter small enough to be inhaled into the deepest part of the lung – is monitored in OECD countries because it can harm human health and reduce life expectancy. In France, PM10 levels are 12.9 micrograms per cubic meter, much lower than the OECD average of 22 micrograms per cubic meter.

Indicators

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Germany

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Key Findings

Outdoor air pollution is one important environmental issue that directly affects the quality of peoples’ lives. Air pollution in urban centres, often caused by transport and the use of small-scale burning of wood or coal, is linked to a range of health problems, from minor eye irritation to upper respiratory symptoms in the short-term and chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer in the long-term. Children and the elderly may be particularly vulnerable.

PM10 – tiny particulate matter small enough to be inhaled into the deepest part of the lung – is monitored in OECD countries because it can harm human health and reduce life expectancy. In Germany, PM10 levels are 16.2 micrograms per cubic meter, lower than the OECD average of 22 micrograms per cubic meter.

Indicators

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Greece

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Key Findings

Outdoor air pollution is one important environmental issue that directly affects the quality of peoples’ lives. Air pollution in urban centres, often caused by transport and the use of small-scale burning of wood or coal, is linked to a range of health problems, from minor eye irritation to upper respiratory symptoms in the short-term and chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer in the long-term. Children and the elderly may be particularly vulnerable.

PM10 – tiny particulate matter small enough to be inhaled into the deepest part of the lung – is monitored in OECD countries because it can harm human health and reduce life expectancy. In Greece, PM10 levels are 32 micrograms per cubic meter, higher than the OECD average of 22 micrograms per cubic meter and one of the highest rates in the OECD. The burning of fossil fuels for electricity generation, as well as in the industrial and residential sectors, remains the major source of PM emissions.

Indicators

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Hungary

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Key Findings

Outdoor air pollution is one important environmental issue that directly affects the quality of peoples’ lives. Air pollution in urban centres, often caused by transport and the use of small-scale burning of wood or coal, is linked to a range of health problems, from minor eye irritation to upper respiratory symptoms in the short-term and chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer in the long-term. Children and the elderly may be particularly vulnerable.

PM10 – tiny particulate matter small enough to be inhaled into the deepest part of the lung – is monitored in OECD countries because it can harm human health and reduce life expectancy. In Hungary, PM10 levels are 15.6 micrograms per cubic meter, a great improvement from past levels and lower than the OECD average of 22 micrograms per cubic meter.

Indicators

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Iceland

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Key Findings

Outdoor air pollution is one important environmental issue that directly affects the quality of peoples’ lives. Air pollution in urban centres, often caused by transport and the use of small-scale burning of wood or coal, is linked to a range of health problems, from minor eye irritation to upper respiratory symptoms in the short-term and chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer in the long-term. Children and the elderly may be particularly vulnerable.

PM10 – tiny particulate matter small enough to be inhaled into the deepest part of the lung – is monitored in OECD countries because it can harm human health and reduce life expectancy. In Iceland, PM10 levels are 14.5 micrograms per cubic meter, lower than the OECD average of 22 micrograms per cubic meter.

Indicators

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Ireland

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Key Findings

Outdoor air pollution is one important environmental issue that directly affects the quality of peoples’ lives. Air pollution in urban centres, often caused by transport and the use of small-scale burning of wood or coal, is linked to a range of health problems, from minor eye irritation to upper respiratory symptoms in the short-term and chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer in the long-term. Children and the elderly may be particularly vulnerable.

PM10 – tiny particulate matter small enough to be inhaled into the deepest part of the lung – is monitored in OECD countries because it can harm human health and reduce life expectancy. In Ireland, PM10 levels are 12.5 micrograms per cubic meter, lower than the OECD average of 22 micrograms per cubic meter. Due to Ireland’s location, weather patterns that supply predominantly clean air, the relative lack of heavy industry and the bans on coal burning in many urban areas since the early 1990s, air quality is generally good.

Indicators

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Israel

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Key Findings

Outdoor air pollution is one important environmental issue that directly affects the quality of peoples’ lives. Air pollution in urban centres, often caused by transport and the use of small-scale burning of wood or coal, is linked to a range of health problems, from minor eye irritation to upper respiratory symptoms in the short-term and chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer in the long-term. Children and the elderly may be particularly vulnerable.

PM10 – tiny particulate matter small enough to be inhaled into the deepest part of the lung – is monitored in OECD countries because it can harm human health and reduce life expectancy. In Israel, PM10 levels are 27.6 micrograms per cubic meter, higher than the OECD average of 22 micrograms per cubic meter.

Indicators

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Italy

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Key Findings

Outdoor air pollution is one important environmental issue that directly affects the quality of peoples’ lives. Air pollution in urban centres, often caused by transport and the use of small-scale burning of wood or coal, is linked to a range of health problems, from minor eye irritation to upper respiratory symptoms in the short-term and chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer in the long-term. Children and the elderly may be particularly vulnerable.

PM10 – tiny particulate matter small enough to be inhaled into the deepest part of the lung – is monitored in OECD countries because it can harm human health and reduce life expectancy. In Italy, PM10 levels are 23.3 micrograms per cubic meter, slightly higher than the OECD average of 22 micrograms per cubic meter.

Indicators

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Japan

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Key Findings

Outdoor air pollution is one important environmental issue that directly affects the quality of peoples’ lives. Air pollution in urban centres, often caused by transport and the use of small-scale burning of wood or coal, is linked to a range of health problems, from minor eye irritation to upper respiratory symptoms in the short-term and chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer in the long-term. Children and the elderly may be particularly vulnerable.

PM10 – tiny particulate matter small enough to be inhaled into the deepest part of the lung – is monitored in OECD countries because it can harm human health and reduce life expectancy. In Japan, PM10 levels are 27.1 micrograms per cubic meter, higher than the OECD average of 22 micrograms per cubic meter.

Indicators

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Korea

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Key Findings

Outdoor air pollution is one important environmental issue that directly affects the quality of peoples’ lives. Air pollution in urban centres, often caused by transport and the use of small-scale burning of wood or coal, is linked to a range of health problems, from minor eye irritation to upper respiratory symptoms in the short-term and chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer in the long-term. Children and the elderly may be particularly vulnerable.

PM10 – tiny particulate matter small enough to be inhaled into the deepest part of the lung – is monitored in OECD countries because it can harm human health and reduce life expectancy. In Korea, PM10 levels are 30.8 micrograms per cubic meter, higher than the OECD average of 22 micrograms per cubic meter.

Indicators

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Luxembourg

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Key Findings

Outdoor air pollution is one important environmental issue that directly affects the quality of peoples’ lives. Air pollution in urban centres, often caused by transport and the use of small-scale burning of wood or coal, is linked to a range of health problems, from minor eye irritation to upper respiratory symptoms in the short-term and chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer in the long-term. Children and the elderly may be particularly vulnerable.

PM10 – tiny particulate matter small enough to be inhaled into the deepest part of the lung – is monitored in OECD countries because it can harm human health and reduce life expectancy. In Luxembourg, PM10 levels are 12.6 micrograms per cubic meter, lower than the OECD average of 22 micrograms per cubic meter. In larger cities, the annual PM10 averages in Luxembourg City and Esch-Alzette have dropped from 30 micrograms per cubic meter in the 1990s to 25 micrograms per cubic meter in recent years.

Indicators

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Mexico

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Key Findings

Outdoor air pollution is one important environmental issue that directly affects the quality of peoples’ lives. Air pollution in urban centres, often caused by transport and the use of small-scale burning of wood or coal, is linked to a range of health problems, from minor eye irritation to upper respiratory symptoms in the short-term and chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer in the long-term. Children and the elderly may be particularly vulnerable.

PM10 – tiny particulate matter small enough to be inhaled into the deepest part of the lung – is monitored in OECD countries because it can harm human health and reduce life expectancy. In Mexico, PM10 levels are 32.7 micrograms per cubic meter, much higher than the OECD average of 22 micrograms per cubic meter.

Indicators

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Netherlands

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Key Findings

Outdoor air pollution is one important environmental issue that directly affects the quality of peoples’ lives. Air pollution in urban centres, often caused by transport and the use of small-scale burning of wood or coal, is linked to a range of health problems, from minor eye irritation to upper respiratory symptoms in the short-term and chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer in the long-term. Children and the elderly may be particularly vulnerable.

PM10 – tiny particulate matter small enough to be inhaled into the deepest part of the lung – is monitored in OECD countries because it can harm human health and reduce life expectancy. In the Netherlands, PM10 levels are 30.8 micrograms per cubic meter, much higher than the OECD average of 22 micrograms per cubic meter.

Indicators

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New Zealand

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Key Findings

Outdoor air pollution is one important environmental issue that directly affects the quality of peoples’ lives. Air pollution in urban centres, often caused by transport and the use of small-scale burning of wood or coal, is linked to a range of health problems, from minor eye irritation to upper respiratory symptoms in the short-term and chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer in the long-term. Children and the elderly may be particularly vulnerable.

PM10 – tiny particulate matter small enough to be inhaled into the deepest part of the lung – is monitored in OECD countries because it can harm human health and reduce life expectancy. In New Zealand, PM10 levels are 11.9 micrograms per cubic meter, much lower than the OECD average of 22 micrograms per cubic meter.

Monitoring data in some urban areas show that PM10 concentrations frequently breach the national air quality standards, often as the result of the use of solid fuels for domestic heating. In 2003, Environment Canterbury launched a NZD 38 million project called Clean Heat to convert 26 400 Christchurch homes to cleaner forms of heating. As of June 2005, heating systems in 3000 houses had been upgraded, with assistance levels varying with household income.

Poor indoor air quality is associated with the exacerbation of respiratory conditions and allergic reactions, particularly among older people, young children and Maori. According to official statistics for 1998, 31% of New Zealand homes used unvented gas heaters burning bottled gas. The health risks associated with this type of heating fall disproportionately on lower socio-economic groups and older people who spend most of their time at home.

Indicators

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Norway

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Key Findings

Outdoor air pollution is one important environmental issue that directly affects the quality of peoples’ lives. Air pollution in urban centres, often caused by transport and the use of small-scale burning of wood or coal, is linked to a range of health problems, from minor eye irritation to upper respiratory symptoms in the short-term and chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer in the long-term. Children and the elderly may be particularly vulnerable.

PM10 – tiny particulate matter small enough to be inhaled into the deepest part of the lung – is monitored in OECD countries because it can harm human health and reduce life expectancy. In Norway, PM10 levels are 15.9 micrograms per cubic meter, lower than the OECD average of 22 micrograms per cubic meter. Total emissions of particulate matter (PM10) have reduced by 29% since 2000, mostly due to lower emissions from fuel wood use; nevertheless, the use of wood for household heating is still the largest source, accounting for 60% of PM10 emissions. Other sources include minerals and metals production (22%) and transport (10%), which includes exhaust, road dust and tyre wear.

Indicators

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Poland

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Key Findings

Outdoor air pollution is one important environmental issue that directly affects the quality of peoples’ lives. Air pollution in urban centres, often caused by transport and the use of small-scale burning of wood or coal, is linked to a range of health problems, from minor eye irritation to upper respiratory symptoms in the short-term and chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer in the long-term. Children and the elderly may be particularly vulnerable.

PM10 – tiny particulate matter small enough to be inhaled into the deepest part of the lung – is monitored in OECD countries because it can harm human health and reduce life expectancy. In Poland, PM10 levels are 35.1 micrograms per cubic meter, much higher than the OECD average of 22 micrograms per cubic meter.

Indicators

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Portugal

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Key Findings

Outdoor air pollution is one important environmental issue that directly affects the quality of peoples’ lives. Air pollution in urban centres, often caused by transport and the use of small-scale burning of wood or coal, is linked to a range of health problems, from minor eye irritation to upper respiratory symptoms in the short-term and chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer in the long-term. Children and the elderly may be particularly vulnerable.

PM10 – tiny particulate matter small enough to be inhaled into the deepest part of the lung – is monitored in OECD countries because it can harm human health and reduce life expectancy. In Portugal, PM10 levels are 21 micrograms per cubic meter, close to the OECD average of 22 micrograms per cubic meter.

Indicators

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Slovak Republic

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Key Findings

Outdoor air pollution is one important environmental issue that directly affects the quality of peoples’ lives. Air pollution in urban centres, often caused by transport and the use of small-scale burning of wood or coal, is linked to a range of health problems, from minor eye irritation to upper respiratory symptoms in the short-term and chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer in the long-term. Children and the elderly may be particularly vulnerable.

PM10 – tiny particulate matter small enough to be inhaled into the deepest part of the lung – is monitored in OECD countries because it can harm human health and reduce life expectancy. In the Slovak Republic, PM10 levels are 13.1 micrograms per cubic meter, lower than the OECD average of 22 micrograms per cubic meter.

Indicators

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Slovenia

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Key Findings

Outdoor air pollution is one important environmental issue that directly affects the quality of peoples’ lives. Air pollution in urban centres, often caused by transport and the use of small-scale burning of wood or coal, is linked to a range of health problems, from minor eye irritation to upper respiratory symptoms in the short-term and chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer in the long-term. Children and the elderly may be particularly vulnerable.

PM10 – tiny particulate matter small enough to be inhaled into the deepest part of the lung – is monitored in OECD countries because it can harm human health and reduce life expectancy. In Slovenia, PM10 levels are 29 micrograms per cubic meter, higher than the OECD average of 22 micrograms per cubic meter.

Indicators

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Spain

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Key Findings

Outdoor air pollution is one important environmental issue that directly affects the quality of peoples’ lives. Air pollution in urban centres, often caused by transport and the use of small-scale burning of wood or coal, is linked to a range of health problems, from minor eye irritation to upper respiratory symptoms in the short-term and chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer in the long-term. Children and the elderly may be particularly vulnerable.

PM10 – tiny particulate matter small enough to be inhaled into the deepest part of the lung – is monitored in OECD countries because it can harm human health and reduce life expectancy. In Spain, PM10 levels are 27.6 micrograms per cubic meter, higher than the OECD average of 22 micrograms per cubic meter.

Better Policies for Better Lives

Wind energy in Navarre

The region of Navarre began producing wind energy in 1994. It now ranks first in Spain, and is among the top regions in Europe in production of wind energy. Spain ranks second (after Germany) in terms of wind power capacity in Europe, and is the world’s fourth biggest producer of wind power.

In 2004, Navarre produced more than 45% of its electricity consumption from wind. Today, estimates have reached 70%. An outstanding wind power machinery manufacturing sector has been created, currently providing work for over 2 000 people in the region. In Spain the wind energy sector has created 47 000 jobs, 12 000 direct and 35 000 indirect.

The origins of such a spectacular increase in wind power in Navarre lie in a mixture of factors – an excellent wind regime, a focused regional development policy and a national support scheme. The first piece of government legislation to provide substantial backing for renewable energy was introduced in 1994. It obliged all electricity companies to pay a guaranteed premium price for green power over a five-year period. In 1998 a new law confirmed the objective that at least 12% of the country’s energy should come from renewable sources in 2010.

Indicators

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Sweden

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Key Findings

Outdoor air pollution is one important environmental issue that directly affects the quality of peoples’ lives. Air pollution in urban centres, often caused by transport and the use of small-scale burning of wood or coal, is linked to a range of health problems, from minor eye irritation to upper respiratory symptoms in the short-term and chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer in the long-term. Children and the elderly may be particularly vulnerable.

PM10 – tiny particulate matter small enough to be inhaled into the deepest part of the lung – is monitored in OECD countries because it can harm human health and reduce life expectancy. In Sweden, PM10 levels are 10.5 micrograms per cubic meter, the lowest rate in the OECD.

Indicators

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Switzerland

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Key Findings

Outdoor air pollution is one important environmental issue that directly affects the quality of peoples’ lives. Air pollution in urban centres, often caused by transport and the use of small-scale burning of wood or coal, is linked to a range of health problems, from minor eye irritation to upper respiratory symptoms in the short-term and chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer in the long-term. Children and the elderly may be particularly vulnerable.

PM10 – tiny particulate matter small enough to be inhaled into the deepest part of the lung – is monitored in OECD countries because it can harm human health and reduce life expectancy. In Switzerland, PM10 levels are 22.4 micrograms per cubic meter, close to the OECD average of 22 micrograms per cubic meter.

Indicators

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Turkey

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Key Findings

Outdoor air pollution is one important environmental issue that directly affects the quality of peoples’ lives. Air pollution in urban centres, often caused by transport and the use of small-scale burning of wood or coal, is linked to a range of health problems, from minor eye irritation to upper respiratory symptoms in the short-term and chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer in the long-term. Children and the elderly may be particularly vulnerable.

PM10 – tiny particulate matter small enough to be inhaled into the deepest part of the lung – is monitored in OECD countries because it can harm human health and reduce life expectancy. In Turkey, PM10 levels are 37.1 micrograms per cubic meter, much higher than the OECD average of 22 micrograms per cubic meter.

Indicators

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United Kingdom

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Key Findings

Outdoor air pollution is one important environmental issue that directly affects the quality of peoples’ lives. Air pollution in urban centres, often caused by transport and the use of small-scale burning of wood or coal, is linked to a range of health problems, from minor eye irritation to upper respiratory symptoms in the short-term and chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer in the long-term. Children and the elderly may be particularly vulnerable.

PM10 – tiny particulate matter small enough to be inhaled into the deepest part of the lung – is monitored in OECD countries because it can harm human health and reduce life expectancy. In the United Kingdom, PM10 levels are 12.7 micrograms per cubic meter, lower than the OECD average of 22 micrograms per cubic meter.

Indicators

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United States

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Key Findings

Outdoor air pollution is one important environmental issue that directly affects the quality of peoples’ lives. Air pollution in urban centres, often caused by transport and the use of small-scale burning of wood or coal, is linked to a range of health problems, from minor eye irritation to upper respiratory symptoms in the short-term and chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer in the long-term. Children and the elderly may be particularly vulnerable.

PM10 – tiny particulate matter small enough to be inhaled into the deepest part of the lung – is monitored in OECD countries because it can harm human health and reduce life expectancy. In the United States, PM10 levels are 19.4 micrograms per cubic meter, lower than the OECD average of 22 micrograms per cubic meter. On the whole, air quality has improved since the mid-1990s.

Indicators

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