Nowadays, it is impossible to ignore the problem of environmental pollution. This work provides information on the level of air pollution in Europe, as well as in the Republic of Moldova. Research methods that were used in this work are the study and analysis of science and statistical literature from official organizations (WHO, Eurostat). Moreover, this paper provides information on the consequences affecting human health, including premature deaths around the world. Nevertheless, scientists are making great efforts to solve this problem: organizations, projects and legislative regulations are being created in order to reduce emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere, and alternative opportunities for human activities that do not harm the environment are being developed. The purpose of this work is to draw attention to this problem, as one of the priorities in the 21st century.