Maximum pollution levels have been exceeded in many cities, with health risks often underestimated
For several days in much of the Po Valley, the level of air pollution has been very high, with some cities exceeding the maximum values established by law for several days. This has caused concern as few local administrations have announced countermeasures or adequately reported the health risks of staying outdoors for long periods of time.
The problem is systemic and concerns both the geographical characteristics of the Po Valley and the presence of large cities, industrial centers, and livestock farms. The main reference for European countries is Directive 2008/507EC, which in Italy was implemented with Legislative Decree 155 of 2010. The law provides that PM10 should not exceed 50 micrograms per cubic meter on average in a day and that the average annual figure should not exceed 40 micrograms per cubic meter. The value can be exceeded a maximum of 35 times in a year.
In recent days the limits have been widely exceeded in many cities in Northern Italy. On February 18, for example, 100 micrograms per cubic meter were exceeded in Milan, 77 in Turin, and similar levels in other cities including Asti, Brescia, Bergamo, and Piacenza.
The European Space Agency (ESA) has created an animation based on satellite data, showing how for much of January the air was highly polluted in almost the entire Po Valley and in many cases also in the pre-Alpine and pre-Apennine areas, with several consecutive days of “extremely poor” air quality, the worst level possible.
When it comes to air pollution, the term “microdust” is often used, which usually refers to particulate matter suspended in the air. This can be natural, such as that derived from pollen, or caused by human activities, such as exhaust gases produced by vehicles, industrial plants, and traffic.
Particulate matter includes PM10, PM2.5, and other harmful substances. Smaller particles, such as PM2.5, can penetrate even deeper into the lungs and circulatory system, leading to further health risks.
Many gases also contribute to harmful effects depending on their concentration, such as nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and sulfur compounds. The use of fossil fuels results in the production of various harmful gases, some of which are classified as carcinogenic.
The Po Valley has long been one of the most polluted areas in all of Europe, especially in the winter. The geographical area is delimited by the Alps and the Apennines, reducing the possibility of strong air currents, leading to air stagnation.
A project called PrepAir has been analyzing air pollution and its main causes since 2007. It revealed that the main causes of pollution are attributed to road traffic, industrial and livestock sectors, as well as residential heating.
Air pollution has been identified as one of the main causes of cardiovascular diseases and a general shortening of life expectancy, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In Europe, air pollution is among the main public health problems.
The European Union has launched ambitious projects to reduce air pollution, with the aim to drastically reduce premature deaths from air pollution by 2030. However, experts believe that achieving such a result in such a short time may be unlikely.
While the public awareness of high levels of pollution is increasing, awareness of the numerous health risks that arise from living in highly polluted environments remains low. The effects of pollutants vary depending on the type and concentration, and it is estimated that more than 90 percent of the earth’s population breathes polluted air.
The Green Deal, the ambitious project for environmental sustainability of the European Union, includes the Zero Pollution Action Plan, an initiative that aims to halve premature deaths from air pollution by 2030.
As the fight against air pollution continues, it is clear that greater efforts are needed to address this pressing issue and protect public health.