Irish air quality falls below WHO guidelines for pollutants 

Air Quality in Ireland Falls Short of WHO Guidelines

Air quality in Ireland, although better than most other EU countries, still fails to meet the newly introduced World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, according to new data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The latest data from the EPA reveals that air quality in Ireland is generally good compared to neighboring countries. However, it falls short of the WHO standards for particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide, and ozone.

Causes of Poor Air Quality

This is mainly due to the burning of solid fuel in towns and villages, as well as traffic congestion in cities, as stated by the EPA.

Particulate matter refers to solid and liquid particles suspended in the air, such as dust, pollen, soot, smoke, and liquid droplets.

High doses of NO2 can cause inflammation of the airways and irreversible damage to the respiratory system.

Sustainability & Climate

Actions Needed to Improve Air Quality

Traffic congestion is a major contributor to air pollution, which is why many local authorities in Europe are implementing pedestrianization of city streets.

The WHO published updated recommendations for air quality in 2021, but the EU has yet to update its own directive, which was last revised over a decade ago.

There are significant differences between the current EU standards and the new WHO recommendations.

The EU Parliament recently voted to adopt the WHO recommendations by 2035, but many scientists and environmental campaigners argue that this timeline is not fast enough.

Air pollution is responsible for 7 million premature deaths globally, 400,000 in the EU, and over 1,300 in Ireland each year due to factors such as NO2 and particulate matter.

In 2022, air monitoring results from EPA stations across Ireland showed that home-heated fine particulate matter and traffic-related NO2 remain the main threats to good air quality, according to the environmental watchdog.

Poor air quality incidents are often associated with high levels of pollutants from coal, peat, and wood during cold, still weather from late autumn to early spring.

To achieve the WHO guidelines, it is necessary to use less solid fuel and cleaner fuels for heating homes, as well as reduce car usage for commuting and recreational activities, as recommended by the EPA.

“While undoubtedly challenging, the significantly positive impacts of clean air on health are clear and the report identifies some of the actions that are necessary to achieve the health-based air quality guidelines,” said Micheál Lehane, EPA environmental monitoring director.

Recommendations from the EPA

• Local authorities must provide more resources to increase air enforcement activities and implement the new solid fuel regulations.
• Dublin local authorities must fully implement the Dublin Region Air Quality Plan 2021 to improve NO2 levels.
• Investment in clean public transport infrastructure across the country must be maintained and increased.
• More safe footpaths and cycle lanes must be created to encourage active travel as a viable and safe alternative to car use and reduce NO2 emissions.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 13: Climate Action

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
• SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
• SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 3.9: Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution.
• Indicator for SDG 11.6: Air quality index or concentration levels of pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide, and ozone.
• Indicator for SDG 13.1: Reduction in emissions of pollutants contributing to air pollution.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: irishexaminer.com

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