Most polluted EU sites - except Sellafield
Here’s a snapshot of the top 15 most polluted cities in the European Union as of 2024, based on PM2.5 concentrations (fine particulate matter), which is considered one of the most harmful air pollutants due to its ability to penetrate deep into the lungs:
🌫️ Top Polluted EU Cities by PM2.5 (µg/m³)
(WHO safe limit: 5 µg/m³ annual average)
Slavonski Brod, Croatia – 26.5
Nowy Sącz, Poland – 24.0
Cremona, Italy – 23.3
Vicenza, Italy – 23.0
Padova, Italy – 22.7
Venezia (Venice), Italy – 22.6
Piacenza, Italy – 22.2
Ioannina, Greece – 21.9
Częstochowa, Poland – 21.9
Żory, Poland – 21.8
Torino (Turin), Italy – 21.0
Bergamo, Italy – 20.9
Brescia, Italy – 20.7
Treviso, Italy – 20.7
Piotrków Trybunalski, Poland – 20.6
🧭 Observations
Italy dominates the list with 9 of the top 15 cities, especially in the Po Valley, a region notorious for stagnant air and industrial emissions.
Poland contributes 4 cities, reflecting persistent coal use and winter heating pollution.
Croatia and Greece each have one city on the list.
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