Barcelona school nitrogen dioxide exposure drops 40%

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exposure at primary schools in Barcelona has decreased by 40% between 2018 and 2025, according to the 2025 air quality assessment report from the Barcelona Public Health Agency (ASPB). While all schools currently comply with existing legal limits, they all remain above the levels recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Only 26% of schools currently meet the European legal requirements set for 2030. Exposure levels vary significantly by district; Eixample records the highest average exposure, while Sarrià-Sant Gervasi shows the lowest. Other districts, such as Ciutat Vella, have seen considerable reductions but still exceed the 2030 legal threshold.

The improvement in air quality has led to measurable health benefits. In 2025, deaths attributed to chronic exposure to air pollution decreased by 15% compared to the 2020-2024 average, representing approximately 200 avoided deaths. Additionally, there has been an estimated 25% reduction in new cases of childhood asthma and a 22% reduction in new lung cancer cases.