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 quality in Switzerland has been steadily improving since the mid-1980s. Levels of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, particulate matter and heavy metals have fallen significantly. However, during winter inversion conditions, particulate matter levels can still exceed the legal limits, and in summer, ozone levels regularly exceed the limit values significantly. Further efforts to reduce air pollutants are needed to protect human health and ecosystems from adverse effects.

Air pollution has negative impacts on human health, ecosystems, buildings, materials and the climate. It leads to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, causes around 2,000 premature deaths each year, and contributes to acidification and over-fertilisation of sensitive ecosystems. The annual costs associated with air pollution in Switzerland run into the billions.

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 on an national level and require international cooperation Therefore, Switzerland is actively involved in a variety of international organisations that focus on limiting air pollution in Europe.

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