Although the air quality in Sweden is high internationally, Johan Genberg Safont at the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency says there are challenges.

- Overall, it is good if you compare with other countries, but if you compare with the environmental goals we have a bit left, says Johan Genberg Safont to SVT.

High levels of air pollution can cause cardiovascular diseases and respiratory problems. In a 2015 study conducted at Uppsala University, 7600 deaths in Sweden were estimated to be linked to poor air quality.

More particles in southern Sweden

Johan Genberg Safont believes that it is difficult to generalize in what parts of the country that air quality is poorer. However, according to the latest report from 2018, several municipalities exceeded the limit values ​​for various air pollutants.

Among other things, Gotland, Södertälje and Sundsvall exceeded the levels for coarse particles. In Gothenburg, Skellefteå, Stockholm, Uppsala, Umeå and Örnsköldsvik, the levels of nitrogen dioxide were too high.

- Generally speaking, there are higher concentrations of fine particles in the air in the south compared to northern Sweden. But this is because emissions come from the continent and not specifically the local emissions, although they also contribute, ”says Johan Genberg Safont.

Does not seem to reach the goals

The Government, together with the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, has drawn up an air conservation program, based on the EU directive to reduce national emissions.

By 2030, among other things, the emissions of nitric oxide (which are formed during the combustion of fuel) should have decreased by 66 percent compared with 2005, but according to Anna Forsgren at the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, the targets are not expected to be reached.

It is precisely the nitric oxide emissions that she sees as the biggest challenge.

- We must work together with the climate change adaptation and find solutions that both reduce emissions of air pollution and favor the climate. It could be, for example, to switch to electric cars and to use public transport and the bicycle more, says Anna Forsgren to SVT.