Variability of the particulate matter air pollution of Polish cities with a prediction until 2020

Air pollution with particulate matter is a serious problem in Europe, especially in Poland. Despite the fact that the issue of particulate air pollution concerns both big agglomerations and smaller towns, and even villages, due to the population density and chemical composition of the particulate matter, the actions to limit the concentration are focused on big cities. In this study the data for 30 Polish cities and urban agglomerations from 2000-2016 was analyzed to show the temporal and spatial variability of the pollutants level and to prepare the prediction until 2020. The analysis showed that although for most cities a decreasing trend was observed, there are a few cities that will not achieve the assumed level in 2020. Another fact is that for some cities that currently meet the average annual standards, the limits in 2020 are expected to be exceeded.