Particulate matter immissions (PM2.5) in urban environment
"Particulate matter" (PM2.5) refers to particles less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter. These particles are formed during industrial and commercial production processes, combustion processes, mechanical processes (abrasion, whirling-up) and through secondary formation (from sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ammonia, and volatile organic compounds). All emission sources such as transport, households, industry and agriculture contribute towards PM2.5 pollution, which causes disorders of the respiratory tract and cardiovascular system and increases the cancer risk and mortality rate.
medium
positive
Levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) have fallen in recent years. The small variations in air pollution are partly due to weather conditions, which change from year to year.
The annual limit value is still exceeded in some cases. The situation is therefore considered to be average, with positive trends.
In 2021, the WHO has lowered its guideline value for fine particulate matter PM2.5 on the basis of new scientific findings. As the federal office responsible, the FOEN is examining the recommendation of the Federal Air Hygiene Commission to adjust the immission limit value in line with the WHO guideline value.
- Related indicators
- Particulate matter emissions
- Particulate matter immissions
The other countries of Europe also measure particulate matter immissions and calculate corresponding indicators. The level of particulate matter pollution in Switzerland is similar to those in its neighbouring countries. Particulate matter pollution is higher in major urban centres and heavily industrialised zone.
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 PM2.5 immissions, data are collected from NABEL stations with permanent measurement cycles.
| Targeted trend | Initial value | Final value | Approach to the theoretical path in % | Observed trend | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 n 2023 | 2011 | 2023 | 138.30% | Towards theoretical path | positive |
Further information
