Wildfire Smoke and Urban Nitrogen Dioxide Pollution Raise Public Health Concerns in Spain
Studies reveal the rising health risks in Spain from wildfire smoke exposure and high urban nitrogen dioxide levels, urging comprehensive pollution controls and public health protections.
- • Wildfire smoke increases hospital admissions related to respiratory and circulatory issues in Spain, with ozone and nitrogen dioxide being significant contributors.
- • Ozone accounted for 20% of emergency hospital admissions during smoke events, higher than particulate matter contributions.
- • Malaga's Avenida Juan XXIII is the second most polluted street in Spain for nitrogen dioxide, exceeding WHO and EU guidelines.
- • Chronic exposure to wildfire particulate matter is linked to increased mortality risk, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations.
Key details
Recent studies and reports have highlighted significant public health challenges in Spain due to exposure to wildfire smoke and urban air pollution. Climate change-driven extreme weather events, including prolonged heatwaves and droughts, have increased wildfire frequency, causing smoke that degrades air quality and impacts health. Research from 2013 to 2018 across nine Spanish provinces demonstrated that pollutants like ozone and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) significantly contribute to emergency hospital admissions for respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Notably, ozone accounted for 20% of admissions, surpassing particulate matter (PM10) which contributed less than 15%. Seven of the nine regions saw elevated ozone levels on days with biomass combustion smoke. Chronic exposure to wildfire particulate matter (PM2.5) also poses long-term mortality risks, with a study from California pointing to a 7% increased death risk over three years with higher exposure. Vulnerable populations, including low-income and minority groups, face disproportionate risks, underscoring the need for improved clean air access and housing quality.
Adding to these concerns, Malaga’s Avenida Juan XXIII ranks as Spain’s second most polluted street for NO₂, with an annual average of 31 μg/m³ in 2025, slightly below Madrid’s most polluted Plaza Elíptica at 32 μg/m³. Both exceed the World Health Organization’s recommended 10 μg/m³ and the EU’s 2030 target of 20 μg/m³, despite being under the current EU legal limit of 40 μg/m³. NO₂ primarily arises from motor traffic, especially diesel vehicles, and is linked to respiratory illnesses. Malaga’s air quality has improved from 40 μg/m³ in 2015 but remains a significant health concern. Ecologistas en Acción advocates for stronger measures including reducing private vehicle use, Low Emission Zones enforcement, and pollution episode protocols.
These findings stress the importance of integrated public health policies that address all atmospheric pollutants from varied sources, not solely visible smoke or fine particles. Protective strategies are also crucial for firefighters due to their acute exposure risks. Overall, these developments highlight the need for comprehensive air quality management to protect public health across Spain, especially in urban centers vulnerable to pollution from combustion and wildfire smoke.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
