Economic impacts of O3 exposure

Air quality is a key social, economic and environmental factor within the EU, as pollutants such as ground-level ozone (O₃) have significant impacts on human health, the environment and public costs. This new report, commissioned by the Methane Matters coalition, analyses the health and environmental effects of ozone exposure across the EU and selected Member States, based on the best available data from 2022. It also examines the role of methane (CH₄) in ozone formation and assesses the extent to which methane mitigation could help reduce ozone concentrations.

The findings show that ozone limit values continue to be exceeded in many regions of the EU, highlighting the need for complex, cross-sectoral policy measures. Overall, the report provides a robust evidence base to support policy action to improve air quality and protect human health and ecosystems.

Available in English.