Natural sources contribute to air pollution, although human activities have a greater impact. Dust, fire, winds and etc. all result in increasing particulate matter levels. According to a study carried out by the European Environment Agency, natural sources of free floating particles affect the air we all breathe.
Human industrial activity is allegedly the worst way we can affect air purity. EU’s Air Quality Directive has already set limits for carbon emissions and air quality values. Countries have already been urged to reduce man-made air pollution, but the recent European Environment Agency report raises the awareness of pollution coming from natural sources. Some countries have greater levels of pollutants coming from natural sources. Consider sahara sands, sea sprays and all other specks that we breathe daily.
Although the air quality limit values set by EU legislation were deemed excessive, some countries should monitor airborne pollution levels, as it can be significant.
Major sources of particulate matter in Europe are salt from sea water, volcano dust, desert sands, grassland fires leading to increase in the amount of air-borne particles. Identifying the source of pollution is done through chemical analysis and samples taken from air.
