A new report from environmental organization Legambiente has revealed that 25 Italian cities exceeded legal air pollution limits by 2024.
The study "Malaria" pointed out that Frosinone, in Lazio (Lazio), was the most affected city, with 70 days of inhalable particle levels (PM10) above the permitted level.
Which cities lead the ranking?
Milan was close behind, recording 68 days over the limit, followed by Verona, with 66 days. Other cities affected were Vicenza (64 days), Padua (61), Venice (61), Cremona (57) and Naples (57). Also on the list were Turin, Brescia, Monza and Rovigo, with violations ranging from 52 to 58 days.
The annual emissions limit in Italy is 35 days with a daily average of more than 50 micrograms of PM10 per cubic meter. The Po Valley, a region that includes cities such as Milan, Turin and Verona, remains the most polluted in the country due to intense industrial activity and poor air circulation.
Health impacts
PM10 is produced by vehicle emissions, industrial processes and construction activities. Inhaling it can cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as increasing the risk of lung cancer. According to the Legambiente, air pollution leads to around 50 premature deaths per year in Italy.
future challenges
From 2030, the European Union will tighten air quality limits, reducing the annual average limit for PM10 to 20 micrograms per cubic meter. If current levels persist, at least 70 Italian cities will exceed this new standard.
List of cities with the most days over the limit in 2024:
- Frosinone – 70 days
- Milan – 68 days
- Verona – 66 days
- Vicenza – 64 days
- Padua – 61 days
- Veneza – 61 days
- Cremona – 57 days
- Nápoles – 57 days
- Rovigo – 57 days
- Turin – 55 days
- Monza – 54 days
- Treviso – 53 days
- Modena – 52 days
- Brescia – 51 days
- Mantova – 50 days
- Lodi – 49 days
- Pavia – 47 days
- Catania – 46 days
- Bergamo – 40 days
- Piacenza – 40 days
- Rimini – 40 days
- Terni – 39 days
- Ferrara – 38 days
- Asti – 37 days
- Ravenna – 37 days
