Scientists reveal where the most polluted AIR is along the European coastlines

Scientists have revealed which parts of Europe have the most polluted air during summer months – and it’s not good news for those planning a trip to Spain. 

The researchers, from Palo Alto-based startup Airly, collected sensor data on two types of air pollution – particulate matter (PM) at holiday-destination European coastlines and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in European cities.

They found the Canary Islands, Sardegna on the Italian island Sardinia and the southern Spanish coast have particularly high levels of PM, which comprises both microscopic solid particles and liquid droplets that float in the air, often invisible to the naked eye. 

In terms of the cities, Athens in Greece and Kraków in Poland are nearly as bad as London when it comes to NO2 pollution, the results show. 

NO2 can lead to health issues like inflamed airways while aggravating existing heart and lung diseases, while PM can easily enter the lungs and then the bloodstream.  

If you want a pollution-free holiday this summer, the analysis also shows Scotland’s coast has some of the cleanest air in the whole of the continent. 

Pictured are the best and worst coastal locations when it comes to particulate matter (PM) pollution, according to the analysis by Palo Alto-based startup Airly

This maps shows PM pollution levels in summer months at European coasts. A darker colour means a higher level of pollution

This maps shows PM pollution levels in summer months at European coasts. A darker colour means a higher level of pollution

CITIES RANKED FOR NO2 POLLUTION  

1. London 33.8 

2. Athens 33.7 

3. Krakow 33.1 

4. Paris 25.8 

5. Rome 24.5 

6. Milan 23.7 

7. Madrid 22.5 

8. Prague 19.5 

9. Berlin 19.1 

10. Barcelona 18.2 

11. Lisboa 14.2 

Averaged NO2 µg/m3 concentration for 2020 summer months, Jun-Aug 2020 

Airly says people should be mindful of their results when choosing their holiday destination this summer. 

‘Using sensors, Airly provides accurate, ultra-local, predictive data for governments, media and businesses to tackle the issue of air pollution head-on,’ the firm says. 

‘Airly’s platform acts as a warning system for pollution at street level and in real time with greater accuracy and at lower cost for cities and enterprises.’

Air pollution data was acquired from the state monitoring stations via the European Environmental Agency and from Airly sensors located within 10 miles from coastlines.  

The firm said it generally found the highest levels of air pollution in highly urbanised islands coasts with typically a large amount of business or industrial activity and high traffic.  

In terms of PM, the worst regions are Canarias in Spain, Malta, Sardegna in Sardinia, Italy and Andalucía in Spain. 

The regions least affected by PM are Eastern Scotland, Açores in Portugal and the UK’s Highlands and Islands.  

PM, which can easily enter the lungs and then the bloodstream, is classified based on its diameter – for example, PM 2.5 has a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers, which is about 3 per cent the diameter of a human hair. 

PM can have a natural origin – for example, wildfires or volcanic eruptions – but the majority comes from burning coal, wood stoves, forest fires, smokestacks and other human processes that involve burning.  

Particulate matter (PM) is emitted during the combustion of solid and liquid fuels, such as for power generation, domestic heating and in vehicle engines. Particulate matter varies in size (i.e. the diameter or width of the particle). PM2.5 means the mass per cubic metre of air of particles with a size (diameter) generally less than 2.5 micrometres (µm). Pictured, London obscured by pollution

Particulate matter (PM) is emitted during the combustion of solid and liquid fuels, such as for power generation, domestic heating and in vehicle engines. Particulate matter varies in size (i.e. the diameter or width of the particle). PM2.5 means the mass per cubic metre of air of particles with a size (diameter) generally less than 2.5 micrometres (µm). Pictured, London obscured by pollution

Graph indicates air pollution hotspots for concentration of nitrogen dioxide NO2 in micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m3). London, Athens and Kraków are the worst cities for NO2 pollution, the results suggest

Graph indicates air pollution hotspots for concentration of nitrogen dioxide NO2 in micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m3). London, Athens and Kraków are the worst cities for NO2 pollution, the results suggest 

EUROPE’S MOST AND LEAST POLLUTED COASTAL REGIONS 

Top five most and least polluted coastal regions in Europe are ranked below for their levels of particulate matter (PM).

Cities are ranked by CAQI-PM on a scale from 0 to 100 (shown in brackets). The higher the number the worse the air quality is.  

Most polluted 

– Canarias, Spain (30.6)

– Malta (30.2)

– Sardegna, Italy (29.1)

– Andalucía, Spain (26.9)

– Murcia, Spain (24.6)

– Campania, Italy (24)

Least polluted 

– Eastern Scotland (7.22)

– Açores, Portugal (7.76)

– Highlands and Islands, UK (7.77)

– Övre Norrland Sweden (8.15)

– West Central Scotland (8.30)

– Pomorskie, Poland (8.42)

(Averaged data for 2020 summer months, Jun-Aug 2020)

In Europe, PM pollution in the summer is much lower than in the winter season as there are fewer pollutants from the combustion of solid fuels for domestic heating.

Air pollution along the coasts is generally lower than inland, mainly due to strong and frequent coastal winds, although it does have natural pollination related to sea salt levels.  

Southern Europe is also exposed to ‘air pollution of a natural origin’ such as circulating African dust and matter from other dry landscapes. 

The Airly results reveal that PM pollution in the top polluted coastal regions does not exceed an annual limit set by the EU – 40 micrograms per cubic metre (40µg/m3).  

Particulate matter, or PM, comes from a variety of sources, including vehicle exhausts, construction sites, industrial activity or even domestic stoves and ovens. PM 2.5 is particulate pollutant 2.5 micrometres or smaller in size

Particulate matter, or PM, comes from a variety of sources, including vehicle exhausts, construction sites, industrial activity or even domestic stoves and ovens. PM 2.5 is particulate pollutant 2.5 micrometres or smaller in size

As for NO2 pollution, London ranked the worst, followed by Athens, Kraków, Paris, Rome, Milan and Madrid. 

NO2, which mainly comes from road transport emissions, damages immune system cells in the lungs and causes increased susceptibility to respiratory infections. It can make asthmatics more sensitive to allergens. 

NO2 is one of a group of highly reactive gases known nitrogen oxides (NOx). 

In the summer months especially, UV rays from the sun cause photochemical reactions between NOx and volatile organic compounds (VOC), creating ozone (O3).

O3 can be seen as a smoggy cloud during the summer and can damage the lungs when inhaled.   

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF THE WORLD’S MAJOR AIR POLLUTANTS?

According to the Environmental protection Agency, there are six major pollutants which can impact on human health and well-being. 

Particulate matter: Particulate matter is the term for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air.

These particles come in many sizes and shapes and can be made up of hundreds of different chemicals.

Some are emitted directly from a source, such as construction sites, unpaved roads, fields, smokestacks or fires.

Fine particles (2.5 parts per million)are the main cause of reduced visibility (haze) in parts of the United States, including many of our treasured national parks and wilderness areas. 

Carbon monoxide: Breathing air with a high concentration of CO reduces the amount of oxygen that can be transported in the blood stream to critical organs like the heart and brain.

At very high levels, which are possible indoors or in other enclosed environments, CO can cause dizziness, confusion, unconsciousness and death.  

Nitrogen dioxide: Nitrogen dioxide primarily gets in the air from the burning of fuel. NO

It forms from emissions from cars, trucks and buses, power plants, and off-road equipment.

Breathing air with a high concentration of NO can irritate airways in the human respiratory system. Such exposures over short periods can aggravate respiratory diseases, particularly asthma, leading to respiratory symptoms (such as coughing, wheezing or difficulty breathing).   

Sulfur dioxide: The largest source of Sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere is the burning of fossil fuels by power plants and other industrial facilities.

Short-term exposures to SO can harm the human respiratory system and make breathing difficult. Children, the elderly, and those who suffer from asthma are particularly sensitive to effects of SO.

Ground-level Ozone: The ozone layer in the lower area of the lower portion of the stratosphere, approximately 12 to 19 miles above the surface of the planet (20 to 30 km). 

Although ozone protects us against UV radiation, when it is found at ground level it can cause health problems for vulnerable people who suffer from lung diseases such as asthma. 

It is created by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) – that are found in exhaust fumes – in the presence of sunlight.

Lead: Major sources of lead in the air are ore and metals processing and piston-engine aircraft operating on leaded aviation fuel. 

Other sources are waste incinerators, utilities, and lead-acid battery manufacturers. The highest air concentrations of lead are usually found near lead smelters.

 Depending on the level of exposure, lead can adversely affect the nervous system, kidney function, immune system, reproductive and developmental systems and the cardiovascular system.

Infants and young children are especially sensitive to even low levels of lead, which may contribute to behavioural problems, learning deficits and lowered IQ.

Source: EPA 

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