Alarming for certain parts of the city.
A significant number of areas in Dublin city have levels of traffic related air pollution that exceed the annual EU safe limits, the Environmental Protection Agency has warned.
A new report that’s called Urban Environmental Indicators: Nitrogen dioxide levels in Dublin has provided new evidence of nitrogen dioxide levels throughout the city.
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is an air pollutant that’s associated with urban areas. It is strongly linked with traffic emissions and high levels of exposure can affect the health of your lungs – with children and older people most vulnerable.
The research warns of the long-term health effects including emphysema and cellular damage to the throat and lungs as well as the development of asthma.
The report had three main findings.
1) The highest levels of NO2 are at locations with heavier traffic which shows shows the impact traffic has on the levels of NO2 in areas close to busy roads in Dublin.
2) There are many areas where NO2 is problematic and over the EU limit – some of these areas include certain city centre streets, the M50 motorway, Pearse Street, the area around Heuston Station, and the entrance to and exit from the Dublin Port Tunnel.
3) Levels of NO2 are well within the EU limits in many residential areas, especially away from busy roads.
The research shows that concentrations of NO2 were at their highest in urban traffic locations.
In terms of the steps available to reduce the levels of nitrogen dioxide that are being dispersed throughout the city, the EPA have encouraged the use of public transport, carpooling, cycling and walking.
They’re also advocating a move to cleaner modes of public transport, expanding the re-charging network for electric vehicles, and establishing low-emissions zones (areas that promote the use of environmentally-friendly vehicles over non-environmentally-friendly ones) in the city.
The report also states that “implementation of the Government’s recently published 2019 Climate Action Plan will also have benefits for air quality. The actions in relation to road transport should be progressed immediately to improve air quality in the city.”
You can read the full study here.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
