Air pollution inequality and its temporal trends in Nordic countries

Abstract

The demand for research on air pollution inequality in Nordic countries is rising with the growing evidence of adverse health effects. We examined socio-economic and ethnic disparities in air pollution exposure from 1990 to 2016. Results revealed that exposure to PM2.5 and NO2 was generally higher in municipalities with higher income, education and immigrant populations. Disparities mostly decreased over time, benefiting almost all groups. But, ozone exposure increased in many regions. The findings highlight the need for attention to rising ozone levels and disproportionate exposure of immigrants.