Lisbon with gas levels higher than tolerated by the WHO
Os data for this study, developed by researchers from the Centers for Research and Studies in Sociology (CIES-Iscte), Research in Information Sciences, Technologies and Architecture (ISTAR-IUL) and Natural Resources and Environment (CERENA), were collected by 80 sensors, between August 2021 and July this year.
In a note released by the authors of the study, it is explained that the analysis of the values of nitrogen dioxide (N02) and suspended particles PM10 was carried out, concluding that, in certain areas of the city of Lisbon, “exceed the parameters accepted” by the WHO.
“The cruise terminal in Santa Apolónia, as well as the cycle paths in certain arteries of the capital, are areas with high levels of pollution and harmful to health. The ongoing investigation corroborates, following previous studies, the high traffic and maritime transport as determining factors in the situations of smoking registered in the municipality of Lisbon”, can be read in the note.
With regard to nitrogen dioxide, the researchers found that, during the analysis period, the values in the city of Lisbon were, on average, 71.08 µg/m3, “well above the level defined by the WHO”, which is 10 µg/m3.
Calçada de Carriche (Lumiar), Alameda da Encarnação, Avenida 24 de Julho and Avenida Infante Dom Henrique, in Santa Apolónia, were the areas with the highest flow levels for nitrogen fuel.
With regard to the concentration of suspended PM10 particles, the most worrying levels were detected in Calçada da Ajuda, Rua dos Sapadores (Graça), Avenida Fontes Pereira de Melo, Avenida Alfredo Doutor Bensaúde (Olivais) and Calçada de Carriche.
With regard to PM10 particles, the WHO defines the average daily limit at 45 ug/m3 and the average annual limit at 15 ug/m3.
“Although in none of the sensors used the average daily limit was exceeded on more than 10% of the days, the annual average value was 15.7 µg/m3, exceeding the limit defined by the WHO”, explain the researchers.
According to how we followed the study, transit and maritime transport are identified as possible causes for flight levels to exceed the criteria reached by the WHO.
In addition to these factors, the study also pointed to issues such as residential and commercial heating, construction and industry as polluting elements, in addition to “natural phenomena such as the transport of dust from the Sahara desert”.
According to the authors of this study, the WHO states that “exposure to nitrogen dioxide and PM10 particles increases the risk of chronic diseases, such as acute respiratory infections, cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer.
In this sense, the researchers defend the need for “periodic and constant monitoring” of air quality.
“It is necessary to accommodate the data that the municipalities act preventively and identify both the areas that need intervention, as the necessary level of action”, say the researchers, also recommending the expansion of the distribution network of sensors of return air indicators to more locations.
Increasing the number of green areas, expanding the pedestrian circuit in the city and “constructing and renovating buildings so that they are energy efficient”, are other proposals defended by the residents, who also advise the use of public transport, car sharing or bicycle use.
Read too: At least 238,000 people died in the EU due to air fuel in 2020