An international study, published in the journal Nature, has found cutting pollution from road traffic and wood burning may be the most effective way to reduce the harm from air pollution across Europe. Rather than just looking at the amount of particle pollution in the air, the research team looked at its toxicity, by measuring the way air pollution samples depleted the natural defences in our lungs. OP was also worst in winter, when wood burning added to the pollution mixture. Both had successes in reducing the amount of particle pollution in their air, but the toxicity of the particles did not improve. Looking to the future, controlling traffic exhaust may not be enough to reduce the toxicity of our air.

Source: The Guardian October 31, 2025 22:30 UTC