Are we moving in the right direction?

The national air quality targets apply to the entire country, but pollution problems are greatest in towns and cities. Measurements carried out in several cities show that particular matter (PM10) levels have gone down. The reason is that emissions from road traffic and wood burning stoves have been reduced. However, most urban areas have not reached the national target for particulate matter.

In 2008 all Norwegian cities and towns managed to stay under the pollution regulations limit for particulate matter for the first time. In 2009, however, the limit was exceeded in Trondheim. In 2010 it was exceeded in Trondheim and Bergen. In larger cities and towns, local air pollution causes significant health problems.

Projections of particulate matter levels

New projections for PM10 show that a reduction in concentrations in 2020 is dependent on reduced emissions from road traffic. An increased proportion of non-studded winter tires will have an important effect on particulate matter levels, but in some cities it is uncertain whether the the use of such tires will increase. Reduction in emissions from wood burning stoves may also contribute to lower levels.