A drop in black carbon is estimated to have averted nearly 5,897 premature deaths over a decade. Childhood asthma and allergic rhinitis cases fell after air quality improvements. Experts say the success could serve as an example for other heavily polluted cities globally.

Credits: envato elements;

The reductions were calculated using PM2.5 and black carbon measurements and expert assessments. Polish Smog Alert says days with high particulate levels dropped sharply from around 150 to 30 a year. Kraków also introduced a low-emission zone to reduce vehicle pollution.