Indicator air

The NO₂ imissions limit values are currently complied with at all NABEL-stations. The measured values are higher in the city, in suburban areas and in areas with heavy traffic than in rural areas. Since the mid-1980s, NO₂ levels have fallen by around 50% thanks to the adopted air pollution control measures (e.g. the tightening of exhaust limit levels and the introduction of catalytic converters for cars). Nevertheless, nitrogen oxide pollution remains a serious problem affecting large parts of Switzerland. The values are still higher than the guidelines recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the protection of human health (NOx = 10µg/m3). For this reason, further reduction measures are necessary, such as the application of the best available technology for vehicles, industrial and agricultural facilities, or heat generators.

• Related indicators
• Nitrogen oxide emissions
• Übermässiger Stickstoffeintrag

EU member states also measure nitrogen dioxide immissions and produce corresponding indicators. The levels of NO₂ pollution are lower in Switzerland than in its neighbouring countries (fewer diesel vehicles and no thermal power plants) (EEA 2024).

The current status and development of air pollution throughout Switzerland are measured and recorded by the National Air Pollution Monitoring Network (NABEL), which is jointly operated by the FOEN and EMPA (Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology). It comprises 16 measurement stations distributed throughout the country, which provide data relating to all the most important pollution situations. For the assessment of nitrogen dioxide immissions, the measurement data from stations for the various site types were averaged, taking into account only rural stations on the north side of the Alps.