Air Pollution in Oviedo, Spain

Severe air pollution peaks have been recorded in the city of Oviedo, in the Autonomous Community of Asturias, Spain. Concentrations of benzene—a Group 1 carcinogen—in the air have significantly exceeded EU safety limits, while levels of both PM2.5 and PM10 particulate matter have also surpassed standards, resulting in overall air quality reaching an “unhealthy” level. There is no absolutely safe level of exposure to benzene, and the area has long been plagued by benzene pollution, with the primary sources being industrial emissions from surrounding areas and vehicle exhaust in the city.