Cardiovascular disease, asthma, and children born with lower weight are some of the consequences that particles from road traffic contribute to.
Småland's municipalities are trying to solve the problem in various ways.
Lessebo is an example where the heavily trafficked road 25 cuts straight through the community.
Conny Axelsson is community construction manager in Lessebo municipality.
- One of the measures we have taken is that we have reduced the speed to 40 km / h in the central parts of Lessebo and this reduces the particles from the traffic, says Conny Axelsson.
Matilda Johansson from Kronoberg's air care association says that the biggest problem is precisely particles from road traffic.
- The more vehicles there are, and then especially emissions from diesel, contribute to particles in the street air.
It would be best if the traffic could be directed around the community.
You have done what you can by slowing down, says Matilda Johansson.
Many die from air pollution
According to a study from 2005 by Bertil Forsberg, professor of environmental medicine at Umeå University, air pollution is estimated to contribute to 3,500 premature deaths each year.
The air in Sweden has improved since the study was conducted, but new studies show that even low levels increase the risk.
In Lessebo, the amount of pollutants is measured at three-year intervals.
- It is very important with measurements and that it is then followed up, says Conny Axelsson.