Since the building of the first power stations in the 1950s and 60s, nuclear power has grown to contribute 9–17 % of worldwide electricity every year. These ‘first-generation’ stations are now approaching the ends of their lives and must be decommissioned. Across the EU, over 200 power stations are due to be decommissioned by 2...
Urban electronic waste (e-waste) contains elements critical to both modern technology and the European economy. Many of these, such as lithium used in batteries, or samarium used in permanent magnets, are produced outside of Europe. As these elements are responsible for the functionality of a technology, they are often referred...
Formaldehyde, also known as methanal, is a colourless, volatile organic compound released from burning wood, tobacco smoke and from paints, varnishes, adhesive, and waxes. Low levels of formaldehyde in the air are considered harmless, but levels can build up to ten times higher indoors compared to the outside. As citizens in de...
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) gas is a harmful pollutant mainly produced by the combustion of fossil fuels. It can react with water in the atmosphere to form nitric acid (HNO3), producing acid rain, harmful to vulnerable ecosystems. In humans, it can impair lung function and exacerbate respiratory conditions and is a precursor of grou...
According to EEA estimates, 239,000 deaths in the EU in 2022 were attributable to fine particulate matter pollution (PM2.5) at concentrations above the World Health Organisation’s recommendation of 5 μg/m3. To mitigate the effects of air pollution on humans and the environment, regulatory bodies impose strict legal limits on ai...
Thousands of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are present in the atmosphere. Of those, halogenated ones containing fluorine, chlorine, or bromine - are mainly emitted by anthropogenic activities. In 1987, after it was discovered that chlorofluorocarbons used in refrigeration were destroying the protective ozone layer, the Mont...
