Kraków nitrogen dioxide levels fell significantly between 2023 and 2025

A comparison of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) measurement campaigns in Kraków between 2023 and 2025 shows a significant decrease in concentrations in several high-traffic areas. In 2023, research by the Polish Smog Alarm (Polski Alarm Smogowy) found levels exceeding 40 µg/m³ in 16 out of 44 locations. By 2025, measurements commissioned by the Public Transport Authority (Zarząd Transportu Publicznego) and conducted by Passam AG showed only 4 locations out of 46 exceeding that threshold, though city data suggests nine locations after laboratory recalculations.

Specific high-pollution sites showed notable improvements. At the intersection of Opolska and Prądnicka, levels dropped from approximately 70 µg/m³ in 2023 to roughly 43 µg/m³ in 2025. Similarly, concentrations at Krasińskiego Avenue fell from about 60 µg/m³ to nearly 38 µg/m³, and levels near Powstania Warszawskiego Avenue decreased from 61 µg/m³ to 41 µg/m³.

The data indicates that these improvements occurred prior to the implementation of the current Clean Transport Zone (Strefa Czystego Transportu), suggesting the reduction in NO₂ levels was not a result of that specific policy.