Air Quality in Milan: Where We Stand and Where We Need to Go

Milan is the Italian city with the highest annual average PM2.5 concentrations. The Po Valley creates a natural meteorological trap — frequent thermal inversions, low wind — that amplifies the effect of local emissions. The result is an air quality that remains among the worst in Europe despite significant progress over the last 15 years.

ARPA Lombardia 2024 Data

ARPA Lombardia stations in the city of Milan recorded an annual average PM2.5 of 22.1 µg/m³ in 2024, with winter peaks reaching 95 µg/m³ on the most critical days in January. The WHO limit (5 µg/m³) was exceeded for 178 days out of 365.

The area with the worst values is the north-east quadrant (Sesto San Giovanni, Cinisello Balsamo) due to its industrial legacy and the concentration of heavy traffic on the Autostrada dei Laghi. The city centre follows (due to traffic and urban density) and then the southern zone (due to flows towards the ring road).

Metro Stations and Enclosed Environments

Milan's metro network (Lines M1, M2, M3, M4) shows particulate concentrations in tunnels and on platforms of between 90 and 180 µg/m³. Line M3, which crosses the historic centre, is the most critical. ATM launched a systematic monitoring programme in 2023 in collaboration with Politecnico di Milano; preliminary results confirm the criticality of the oldest stations (built in the 1960s and 70s with insufficient ventilation).

Covered car parks in central and semi-central Milan show even higher concentrations: between 150 and 280 µg/m³ in the most heavily trafficked underground structures. The rapid vehicle turnover during peak hours generates brief but very intense spikes.

Initiatives Under Way

The Municipality of Milan adopted the 'Air and Climate Plan' (PAESC) in 2023, targeting a 45% reduction in PM10 emissions by 2030. Measures include: expansion of Area B (low-emission zone) and Area C (congestion charge), a filtration requirement for new public car parks with more than 100 spaces, and investment in renewing the ATM vehicle fleet.

On the private side, several real estate and facility management operators are anticipating regulatory requirements by installing purification systems in their facilities. Air quality certification has become a differentiating factor in tender processes for the management of shopping centres and corporate buildings.

Calculate the Impact for Your Milan Facility

Whether you manage a car park in Porta Nuova, a commercial gallery in the hinterland or an ATM surface station, the Bufaga calculator gives you in 60 seconds an estimate of PM removed, the devices required and the ADV revenue potential for your specific facility.

For large facilities (>2,000 m²) or those evaluating an installation under the PAESC plan, Bufaga offers a free on-site technical consultation with production of a pre-installation report signed by a certified technician.