A recent report by Swiss air quality technology company IQAir reveals that only seven countries worldwide meet safe air pollution levels. These levels are based on the concentration of PM2.5, which refers to fine particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 microns. Exposure to PM2.5 particles has been linked to various health issues, including heart and lung diseases, high blood pressure, and even premature death.
The seven countries that achieved safe air quality levels (with PM2.5 concentrations of five micrograms per cubic meter or less) are:
- Australia
- Estonia
- Finland
- Grenada
- Iceland
- Mauritius
- New Zealand
In Europe, Iceland boasts the cleanest air, with a PM2.5 concentration of just 4 micrograms per cubic meter. Estonia and Finland follow closely with 4.7 and 4.9 micrograms per cubic meter, respectively.
However, several European countries have made significant progress in improving air quality. For instance:
