Topic Air

Air quality has improved since 2000 and holds up well in comparison to other European countries. Most limit values are complied with, but ozone, particulate matter and nitrogen compounds continue to harm health and ecosystems. Further action is needed in agriculture, in transport, in industry and in heating. Progress is possible through the systematic use of the best available technology.

Air pollutants have directly detrimental effects on health and the environment. Furthermore, they are instrumental in making human beings, plants and entire ecosystems more susceptible to other "stress factors" (e.g. pathogens, parasites and drought). Finally, air pollution in Switzerland is responsible for indirect costs amounting to billions of francs every year, which are not met by the polluter.

Air pollutants are not only emitted by road traffic, but also by the non-road sector, i.e. from mobile machinery and equipment not intended for the transport of people and goods on the road. This includes, for example, construction machinery and agricultural and forestry machinery, but also equipment used for gardening/hobby and other purposes.

Since air pollutants do not recognise national borders, many air quality problems cannot be resolved by one country on its own. It is only possible to reduce air pollution if neighbouring countries also take appropriate measures. In view of this, Switzerland is actively involved in a variety of international organisations that focus on limiting air pollution in Europe.