Helsinki under pressure from EU again over airborne dust

Maximum particle tolerances exceeded in centre of the city

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Helsinki must explain to the European Commission again why maximum limits for airborne dust are repeatedly exceeded in the city.
      The figures for airborne particles were above the limit set by an EU directive already in the spring on Helsinki's Mannerheimintie. On Hämeentie, a portable measuring station detected excessive levels in late September.
      During a single year, the levels of airborne dust have been above legal limits 49 times on Mannerheimintie and 41 times on Hämeentie.
      Under the EU directive, the maximum permissible amount of airborne dust in city air is 50 microgrammes per cubic metre. The levels can be exceeded 35 times a year, after which a report must be filed.
     
The city is required to inform Finnish officials of the reasons for the excessive dust in the air, and to say what action is being taken to rectify the problem. The Ministry of the Environment reports on the violations to the EU.
      The problem of airborne dust was fairly well under control last year. In 2003, there was excessive airborne dust from sand and asphalt on 41 days.
      Airborne dust is usually a problem in the late winter, when grit and asphalt dust are kicked up on dry days.
      The City of Helsinki has promised to intensify cleanup efforts, and to choose types of winter street grit that produce as little dust as possible.
     
The Ministry of the Environment and the Helsinki Environment Centre are waiting for a response from the EU to the previous report.
      Several European cities have submitted air quality reports, but none have received responses from the EU.
      The problem of airborne street dust is even worse in Stockholm than it is in Helsinki. The Swedish capital is planning to impose toll fees for cars entering the city as a way to limit traffic in the centre. There has also been talk of banning the use of studded tyres.
     
November was an especially bad month for airborne particles in the Helsinki metropolitan area. Maximum limits were exceeded on ten days during the month.
      The dirtiest day was November 22nd, with poor air quality extending far beyond the centre of Helsinki.
      The air contained particles from exhaust gas, as well as street dust. There were also high levels of nitrogen dioxide reported.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Sudden and deep decline in air quality in Helsinki region (23.11.2005)
  Study shows serious airborne dust problem in Helsinki in recent months (6.5.2005)
  Poor air quality caused by cold weather, street dust, and exhaust fumes troubles Helsinki residents (17.3.2005)

Links:
  Helsinki Metropolitan Area Council: Air quality now

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