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What is in the air we breathe?

Air pollution and particles affect both our health and the environment. At IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, we conduct research in order to learn more about the dispersion and impacts of different types of air pollution.

Despite many successes in reducing emissions of air pollutants, air quality is still poor in many parts of the world. Few Swedish cities meet national environmental objectives or WHO air quality guidelines.

Tackling both long-range and local air pollution requires strong action. We are exploring ways forward through both interdisciplinary research and individual assignments. The major challenge going forward is to simultaneously reduce emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases; here we work policy-oriented and internationally in various networks and bodies. Most of our work on the air environment is based on analyses in our own laboratory.

IVL's fields of expertise in air

Environmental monitoring

Long-term monitoring of air pollution is important for assessing whether a change is caused by human influence or by natural variation. Long measurement series are also important to be able to monitor actions taken.
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Modelling

Dispersion models and atmospheric process models help us determine how emissions affect air pollution levels and fallout of various substances. IVL has extensive operations in dispersion modelling and calculation.
Read more about modelling
Emissions

Where does air pollution come from, and how can we best reduce these emissions? To find out which pollutants are in the air and where they come from, IVL uses a number of measurement methods and monitoring strategies.
Read more about emissions to air