What is in the air we breathe?

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

Research and assignments in air pollution and actions

Despite many successes in reducing the emission of air pollution, the air in many parts of the world is still bad. There are few Swedish cities that fulfil national environmental objectives or WHO guidelines for air quality. IVL works for actions based on a solid scientific foundation and that contribute to a sustainable transition for both people and the environment.

See our services in the field of air

We do our own analyses

Our work with air is based mainly in our own laboratories. We analyse the most common types of air pollution, as well as particles and heavy metals such as mercury in very low levels.

We develop actions

To address the problem of air pollution, whether it originates locally or far away, robust actions are required. IVL investigates possible solutions, by way of both interdisciplinary research and individual assignments.

We work internationally

A big challenge for the future is to simultaneously reduce the emissions of air pollution and of greenhouse gases. Our work with these issues in various networks and agencies is policy-oriented and international.

IVL's fields of expertise in air

Mätstation uppe på Femmanhusets tak. Fredrik Hallgren och Karin Persson från IVL och Hung XXX från Göteborg stad.

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.

Rök från fabrik

Dispersion 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.

Drönarbild över fabriksområde med skorstenar.

Emissions to air

Where does air pollution come from, and how can we best reduce the emissions? To find out which pollutants are in the air and where they come from, IVL uses several different measurement methods and monitoring strategies.

Wood-burning the right way – to reduce health risks

For many, a wood fire is the epitome of home comfort. But the air pollutants, such as particles and soot, emitted as a result of wood-burning affect both human health and the environment. As more people resort to wood-burning due to rising electricity prices, we need more knowledge and information about how to avoid unnecessary air pollution.

Read more about the problems of wood-burning

Air pollution and health

IVL's research and assignments concern everything from measuring and evaluating air pollution in cities to following up national environmental targets and environmental quality standards.

Exposure study

Turister och stadsbor går längs en shoppinggata i Stockholm

Air pollution estimated to cause 6,700 premature deaths

Air pollution is estimated to cause 6,700 premature deaths in Sweden per year, with each death representing a loss of ten years of life. This is according to the latest study by IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute and Umeå University, commissioned by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency.

Read more about the exposure study

Research collaboration

Fordon som kör på en stor väg

Swedish air protection research, with focus on health and environment

Air pollution affects both our health and the environment. It causes illness in people, and contributes to plant damage, acidification and climate change. Results from five Swedish research programmes show that air pollution has greater impacts than what was previously believed.

Read more about Swedish air research

Evaluating emissions

People walking on stair.

What does air pollution cost society?

Air pollution costs society billions, and emissions of chemicals that negatively affect our health place a burden on society and healthcare. The EU project Valesor (Valuation of Environmental Stressors) will develop a tool for evaluating these pollutants.

Read more about Valesor

Monitoring of air pollution at research stations

What do we do at Råö research station?

IVL's researcher and project Manager Michelel Nerentorp gives an introduction to the work at Råö research station. At Råö, outside Gothenburg in Sweden, air pollution is monitored every day all year round.

Do you need help with air measurement?

Or do you need support documentation for a permit application? We offer a number of services for both businesses and government agencies.

Noise and air pollution in children's outdoor environments

Preschool-age children are a vulnerable group, and they are often subject to both noise and air pollution. How can we improve their environment?

At four preschool playgrounds in Gothenburg, air and noise measurement is underway; the aim is to help the researchers learn how natural solutions like trees and vegetation-covered fences can improve the outdoor environment of the preschool children. Ågot Watne manages the project, together with the City of Gothenburg and the University of Gothenburg.

Read more about the work at preschool playgrounds

Research in the field of air

Research for clean air.

Contact IVL's air experts

Porträtt av en kvinna

Karin Söderlund

Expert in air pollution

Erik Fridell

Erik Fridell

Expert in transport emissions

Kristian Thörnblom

Kristian Thörnblom

Expert in analytical chemistry

Sarka Langer

Sarka Langer

Expert in indoor air quality

Subscribe to our English newsletter and take part in new projects, research results and other news.

Contact

Want to know more about IVL's services and offers? Enter your email address and choose which area you want to know more about, and we will get back to you.

Please contact me