Air pollution has several harmful effects on the environment, for example acidification and eutrophication of our ecosystems. The problems are both local and transnational. Air quality is a substantial environmental problem and affects the majority of Sweden's 16 environmental objectives (Environmental Objectives Portal). The most relevant objectives to air quality are: Clean Air, A Protective Ozone Layer, A Non-Toxic Environment, Natural Acidification Only, Zero Eutrophication and Reduced Climate Impact.
| Nitrogen oxides | Contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, eutrophication of forest and soil, acidification and corrosion of material. |
| Sulphur dioxide | Acidification and corrosion of material. Sulphur particles give rise to haze and poor visibility. |
| Ground-level ozone | Harmful to vegetation. Corrosion of material. |
| Particulate matter | Accumulation of heavy metals and organic contaminants in soil and sediment. Impacts upon climate change through influence on cloud formation and atmospheric radiation balance. |
| Carbon monoxide, methane, nitrous oxide | Climate influencing greenhouse gases. |
| Benzene, Toluene, Xylene | Contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone. |
| Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) | Contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone. Accumulation in soil and sediment. |