Air (ine)quality in the European Union.

Abstract

Purpose of review: This paper presents an analytical review of recent research on social inequality caused or compounded by ambient air pollution in the European Union.

Recent findings: While empirical studies have developed significantly both in the academic and institutional arena, they have largely focused on only one aspect: the exposure and sensitivity of individuals and groups to air pollution according to various criteria, documenting substantial and overlapping inequality. While EU policy should better address this proven impact inequality, research is also needed on new fronts of air (ine)quality (namely mental health impact and indoor air quality) as well as other types of ambient air inequality (such as inequality in responsibility and impact of air pollution mitigation policy).