Indicator air

Subjective disturbance due to air pollution

In the same way as many forms of environmental pollution, air pollutants are seldom directly perceivable. Nonetheless, we certainly perceive “bad air” – for example in the vicinity of heavily frequented roads – and often find it unpleasant and disturbing. In addition to the unpleasant smell, the knowledge that it is also harmful to our health is a further stress factor.

Assessment of the state
poor poor
Assessment of the trend
negative negative
Peopoe who feel disturbed by air pollution at home 2023: 38.6 Peopoe who feel disturbed by air pollution at home 2019: 34.8 Peopoe who feel disturbed by air pollution at home 2015: 19 Peopoe who feel disturbed by air pollution at home 2011: 17.4

Data for the graph: Excel
Source: FSO
Comment

In 2023, 39% of the population felt either “somewhat disturbed” or “greatly disturbed” as the result of air pollution in the vicinity of their home. In 2011 the figure was only 17%, i.e. the subjective exposure has increased very significantly over the last years. As is to be expected, it is considerably higher in towns and cities than in rural areas. It corresponds to measurements of immission levels of the most important pollutants, many of which exceed the specified limit levels in built-up areas and along heavily frequented roads. However, the trend of increasing subjective exposure contradicts the measured and actually decreasing exposure (see indicators on immissions and emissions of air pollutants).

The proportion is much too high in view of the potential harm to health and the restrictions on quality of life that go hand in hand with the feeling of being permanently exposed to polluted air.

Method

The data are based on a survey (“Perception of environmental quality and ecological behaviour”) carried out by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO). It was conducted by telephone and encompassed a broad variety of aspects of environmental pollution, awareness of the environment, ecologically-relevant behaviour and lifestyle. The random sample complies with the principle of representativeness.

The indicator records all respondents who stated that they feel somewhat or greatly disturbed by air pollution in the vicinity of their home (answers 3 and 4 on a scale of 1 (not disturbed at all) to 4 (greatly disturbed).

Basis for assessment of the trend
Targeted trend Initial value Final value Variation in % Observed trend Assessment
Decrease 2011 2023 121.84% Growth negative
 
Last updated on: 18.03.2024

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