When air pollution is discussed, people often think of CO2, sulfur and nitrogen oxides, or heavy metals. Yet one of the most dangerous components is the so‑called fine particles. They behave like suspended soot and dust that can lodge in the respiratory system, causing serious harm. The heart and lungs bear the heaviest burden. A recent study shows that in Spain these particles still exceed World Health Organization guidelines.
Particles of suspended matter, namely PM2.5 and PM10, have the greatest impact on the environment and health. The smaller the particle, the more dangerous its health effects. PM2.5, in particular, is considered the most harmful.
PM10 particles are solid or liquid components of varying composition and size (dust, ash, soot, metal particles, cement, or pollen) dispersed in the air and with an aerodynamic diameter under 10 micrometers.
They can form in the atmosphere both through natural processes (plant dust, soil suspension, etc.) and through human activities, especially certain industrial operations.
PM2.5 particles primarily arise from human activity, particularly vehicle combustion.
These are among the most serious public health concerns. Microparticles can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the alveolar spaces, transporting harmful substances to very sensitive regions of the respiratory system and potentially aggravating respiratory diseases or, in extreme cases, causing death.
Another crucial aspect is the very small size of these particles, which makes it easy for people and animals to inhale them. High exposure can lead to a range of pathologies and health problems, including:
Respiratory diseases. Exacerbation and initiation of conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, or allergies; irritation of airways and lungs; and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections.
Heart diseases. Multiple studies link PM2.5 exposure with blood changes, cardiovascular inflammation, and circulatory system effects that can alter blood viscosity and pressure, trigger arrhythmias, heart attacks, or strokes, and worsen other illnesses.
Air pollution data from the World Health Organization indicates a connection to about a quarter of deaths from ischemic heart disease and nearly a quarter of deaths from stroke.
Spain exceeds WHO recommended limits
All of Spain’s autonomous communities show levels of pollutant particles associated with heart risk that are higher than WHO guidance, according to the Spanish Society of Cardiology and the Spanish Heart Foundation.
In this context, the SEC and FEC studied the average annual concentration of these particles across Spain’s autonomous communities over the past decade. Most regions, with the exception of the Canary Islands, Murcia, and La Rioja, reduced the average annual PM2.5 concentration between 2010 and 2020. Yet, the revised annual limit for PM2.5 proposed by the WHO means all communities now surpass the guideline.
Regarding PM10, the average annual concentration rose only in the Canary Islands and Galicia, while Extremadura, Navarre, and Aragon show values below the WHO limit of 15 micrograms per cubic meter.
To address these risks, FEC and SEC introduced the Verde project, which aims to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with pollution-related cardiovascular diseases.
“The WHO 2021 air quality guidelines are more stringent,” notes the advisor to the SEC project. Although Spain has seen some improvement in air quality over the past decade, there is still a long way to go to meet these recommendations for pollutant levels in the environment, according to the cardiologist.
The cardiologist adds that these updated guidelines do not provide a fixed threshold for harm, but align with evidence showing that even minimal pollutant concentrations are linked to higher cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Prevention Strategies
There is an urgent need for ongoing prevention efforts that target both individuals and the population, including encouraging walking or cycling, supporting telework, and implementing environmental policies.
Road traffic remains a major source of pollutants, but all emission sources must be addressed, from industrial combustion, ports, and airports to home heating and cooking, especially in boilers and kitchens. A recent EPHA report highlights Spain as one of the European countries with relatively lower emissions, yet the need for improvement remains clear.
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Environment department contact address: [redacted]