Researchers from the University of Nicosia have concluded that reducing air pollutants can save lives, after 238 people died in Cyprus in 2017 due to pollutants emitted from vehicles and heating sources
As stated in a press release from the University of Nicosia, anthropogenic emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM2.5) come 45% and 24% from vehicles and heating respectively. In fact, according to the European Environment Agency, Cyprus had the second highest concentration of NOx in Europe in 2018.
Researchers from the University of Nicosia simulated the above pollutants in the urban centre of Nicosia during January-September 2017 on an hourly basis, concluding that the implementation of policies such as a ban on diesel-powered private and light vehicles and the withdrawal of all EURO 5 and below cars would lead to a 70% reduction in NOx. As a consequence of this, in 2017, premature deaths due to nitrogen oxides could be reduced from 238 to 73. Equally interesting is the study's conclusion that banning the use of fireplaces would reduce particulate matter by 20%.
The team at the Marine & Carbon Lab (www.carbonlab.eu) used the GRAL® model to estimate changes in pollutant concentration and the impact of particulate matter on human health. Some of the scenarios studied included the banning of diesel cars, the penetration of electric vehicles, the reduction of the speed limit and the elimination of fireplaces.
The areas studied included the municipalities of Strovolos, Engomi, Aglantzia, Lakatamia and Nicosia. The simulations were based on meteorological data and pollutant measurements from the Labour Inspectorate Department as well as on data concerning the speed and category of vehicles from the Department of Public Works on main roads. During the months of January, February and March, pollutants due to heating were estimated. In total, 21 main roads and 1,218 buildings were modelled. The results of the pollutant simulations compared to the actual measurements had a deviation of less than 3%.
In particular, NOx and PM2.5 concentrations within the city of Nicosia were estimated for 9 different scenarios. The largest reduction in nitrogen oxides came from a combination of policies such as the ban on diesel private and light vehicles and the withdrawal of all EURO 5 and below cars. On microparticles, a substantial contribution would be made by banning EURO 5 and below vehicles, which would reduce premature deaths due to PM2.5 by 14%.
Elimination of diesel vehicles and fireplaces the most promising solutions
In addition, the study estimated the future impact of pollutants in Cyprus up to 2030. For this purpose, it was assumed that road traffic would fluctuate within ±20% compared to 2017. In addition, 4 different scenarios were considered among them the inclusion of 80% electric cars in the Cyprus vehicle fleet. The most important finding of the study was that even with a 20% increase in road traffic, banning the use of fireplaces would reduce microparticles by 20%. In terms of nitrogen oxides, eliminating diesel vehicles would have a greater impact than electric cars.
The research aimed to assess the health impacts of heating sources and vehicles on the capital's residents. The most promising solution that can drastically shrink particulate levels involves banning the use of fireplaces. With regard to the nitrogen oxides that plague the island, bold decisions are needed since incentives must be given for the withdrawal of old and diesel-powered private and light vehicles. Of course, the 70% reduction in premature deaths due to NOx is perhaps the strongest incentive.
The results of the research, funded by the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry, were published in the prestigious scientific journal Environmental Research: https:/bit.ly/3I3BgA6 Evangelos Demetriou and Dr Konstantinos Hadjistassou participated in the study. More information is posted at: www.carbonlab.eu
[/P]Source: KYPE
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs Cyprus Times
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or Cyprus Times
Source
