Energy and air pollution

Production and use of energy has also impacts in air quality, mainly due to the release of particulate matter (PM10 - particulate that have size inferior to 10 micrometers and that can be easily inhaled), acidifying substances (such as sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxides and ammonia) and ozone precursors (VOC - volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, methane, nitrous oxides).
The following figures show emissions of air pollutants in 2005 for EU-27.
Ozone precursors
Acidifying substances
PM10
Energy related activities (including transport) have the highest share. They are responsible for approximately 55% of EU-27 emissions of acidifying substances, 76% of emissions of tropospheric ozone precursors and about 67% of PM10.
The good news is that between 1990-2005 these emissions have decreased respectively by 59%, 45% and 53%, due to strict legislation (introduction of low NOx burners, and integrated control of pollution, that introduced the best available techniques concept (BAT)), improvements in efficiency and fuel switching (from coal and oil to natural gas). Some old plants have also been closed.

Source of the data: Energy and Environment Report 2008, EEA