Particulate matter is a type of air pollution that is generated by a variety of human activities, can travel long distances in the atmosphere and causes a wide range of diseases and a significant reduction of life expectancy in most of the population of Europe. This report summarizes the evidence on these effects, as well as knowledge about the sources of particulate matter, its transport in the atmosphere, measured and modelled levels of pollution in ambient air, and population exposure. It shows that long-range transport of particulate matter contributes significantly to exposure and to health effects. The authors conclude that international action must accompany local and national efforts to cut pollution emissions and reduce their effects on human health.
