Inequalities in exposure to air pollution in urban areas

Abstract Background Most Europeans live in urban areas, which generally have higher air pollution (e.g. fine particulate matter - PM2.5 - concentrations) than rural environments. Within urban areas, neighbourhoods may experience varying pollution levels while being inhabited by people of different socio-economic status and level of vulnerability, which influences to a large extent the health impacts. Understanding inequalities in exposure to air pollution can inform urban planning to reduce exposure for vulnerable populations and improve urban health. Methods The analysis uses people's place of birth as a proxy for socio-economic status. It explores the difference in PM2.5 exposure levels between the fifth and first quintiles of foreign-born resident percentage in urban areas. The European Commission's 1km grid 2021 census data and degrees of urbanisation (distinguishing suburbs, towns and cities within urban areas) were used in combination with the European Environment Agency's air quality data produced at the same spatial resolution. Results In 18 countries out of 28, the differences in PM2.5 exposure between areas with the highest and lowest proportions of foreign-born persons is higher than 5%. Conversely, 13 countries show lower exposure levels in areas with the highest proportions of foreign-born persons. Looking at suburbs, towns and cities separately, some countries show PM2.5 exposure levels systematically lower or higher than 5% in areas with the highest proportions of foreign-born persons compared to areas with the lowest proportions. For the rest of the countries, the picture is mixed. Conclusions The difference in PM2.5 exposure between areas with the highest and lowest proportions of foreign-born persons highlights differences in the socio-economic status in these areas and potentially higher vulnerability when more polluted, advocating for targeted urban planning measures to reduce health impacts. Key messages • Inequalities in PM2.5 exposure level due to socio-economic factors associated with people’s place of birth depend on both the country and urban area. • In 18 countries out of 28, areas with the highest proportion of foreign-born persons are more likely to be disproportionately exposed to PM2.5 in either suburbs, towns or cities.