Unternavigation

Air quality in Switzerland

Air quality in Switzerland has improved steadily since the mid-1980s. Nevertheless, the concentrations of ozone (O3) exceed the ambient limit values over a large area, of particulate matter PM10 and PM2.5 at several locations and of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) at individual locations close to traffic. The scale of ammonia (NH3) pollution is also far in excess of the critical limit value.

Fine particles

Air pollution with tiny dust particles (PM10 and PM2.5) has a major impact on human health and is a challenge for Swiss air pollution control policy. Particularly in winter, high levels of particulate matter can occur in weather conditions with little exchange.

Ozone - Summer smog

Sunny periods during summer without wind cause increasing zone concentrations. This pollution has negative effects on human health, buildings, materials, and the climate. The policy of the confederation aims at reducing precursor substances (nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds) on the basis of permanent measures.

Nitrogen-containing air pollutants affect biodiversity

Elevated nitrogen inputs have a negative effect on nitrogen-sensitive ecosystems due to over-fertilization. Ammonia emissions from agriculture account for about two-thirds, nitrogen oxide emissions from combustion processes to about one-third of the total nitrogen inputs. With the objective of protecting human health and the environment, the Swiss Federal Council intends to reduce ammonia emissions by about 40% and nitrogen oxides by about 50% compared to 2005.