🇳🇴 Air Quality in Oslo
Yesterday AQI: Fair 🙂 (2 of 5)
Today AQI:
Fair 🙂 (2 of 5)
Tomorrow AQI: Fair 🙂 (2 of 5)
UV Index: Not available
Pollutant Levels in Oslo (μg/m³)
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CO: 102.4 (0–12400 µg/m³) – Carbon Monoxide – a colorless gas that limits oxygen delivery in the body. – Produced by incomplete combustion from vehicles, stoves and wildfires. High exposure reduces oxygen transport and can be life-threatening. (Low)
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NO: 0 (0–200 µg/m³) – Nitric Oxide – reactive gas that contributes to ozone and smog formation. – Short-lived gas from fuel burning. Although unstable, it contributes to ground-level ozone and secondary pollutants. (Low)
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NO2: 1.53 (0–200 µg/m³) – Nitrogen Dioxide – toxic reddish gas, linked to asthma and lung irritation. – Strongly traffic-related pollutant. Long-term exposure is associated with asthma, reduced lung function, and cardiovascular risk. (Low)
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O3: 84.86 (0–180 µg/m³) – Ozone – harmful near the ground, formed when sunlight reacts with traffic and industrial emissions. – Unlike protective ozone in the upper atmosphere, ground-level ozone is harmful. It causes chest pain, coughing and worsens bronchitis. (Moderate)
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SO2: 1.13 (0–250 µg/m³) – Sulfur Dioxide – pungent gas from coal and oil combustion, triggers respiratory issues. – Major contributor to acid rain. Short-term exposure irritates eyes, nose, throat and can trigger asthma attacks. (Low)
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PM2_5: 0.69 (0–55 µg/m³) – Fine Particles (PM2.5) – microscopic dust and smoke that enter deep into the lungs. – Particles smaller than 2.5µm – from smoke, coal burning and vehicle exhaust. They bypass body filters and reach the bloodstream. (Low)
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PM10: 1.12 (0–250 µg/m³) – Coarse Particles (PM10) – larger dust, pollen and ash particles affecting breathing. – Particles up to 10µm – from construction dust, pollen and ash. Aggravates respiratory conditions like COPD and asthma. (Low)
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NH3: 0.37 (0–1000 µg/m³) – Ammonia – gas mainly from agriculture and fertilizer use. – Emitted by livestock farming, fertilizers and some industry. Can form fine secondary particles when combined with NOx and SO2. (Low)
About Air Quality in Oslo
Oslo, the capital of Norway, is known for its generally clean air,
but like many cities in Northern Europe, it can face seasonal challenges.
The city’s location in a valley surrounded by hills sometimes causes temperature inversions in winter,
which trap pollutants close to the ground.
The main contributors to air pollution in Oslo are road traffic,
especially diesel cars, wood-burning stoves in colder months, and occasional
long-range transport of pollution from mainland Europe.
During spring, road dust from studded tires can also temporarily raise PM10 levels.
Improvements and Measures
Oslo has been at the forefront of adopting electric vehicles (EVs),
and today the majority of new cars sold are electric.
The city also invests in public transport, bike infrastructure, and low-emission zones
to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Over the last two decades, air quality has improved significantly.
EU and WHO standards for air pollutants are rarely exceeded,
and the city continues to push for zero-emission transport by 2030.
Health and Seasonal Advice
On most days, Oslo’s AQI is “Good”,
but sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and people with asthma should stay alert during winter inversions or
spring dust episodes. The municipality often issues warnings during these events and recommends limiting outdoor activity.
Using air purifiers indoors and avoiding heavy outdoor exercise on days with higher pollution can further minimize exposure.
Historical Trends
In the 1990s and early 2000s, Oslo frequently struggled with NO₂ pollution from traffic.
Since then, stricter emission standards, congestion charges, and a rapid EV transition have dramatically reduced nitrogen dioxide levels.
Today, PM10 from road dust is a more frequent issue than NO₂ exceedances.
Looking ahead, Oslo is expected to become one of the cleanest capitals in Europe,
thanks to its ambitious climate and air quality policies.
