Cleaning air

1998/03/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Ekologia
• Ingurumena

The new European standards for reducing air pollution require reducing dust and soot emissions. In fact, these microscopic particles have been attributed the origin of many diseases, such as cardiovascular and lung diseases. These rules established by the European Commission shall apply to the so-called PM10 and PM2.5, i.e. to particles less than 10 micrometers and 2.5 micrometers respectively.

By 2005 the concentration of PM10 (measured in 24 hours) should be less than 50 micrograms, being able to be exceeded in 25 days per year. Exempt days will be reduced to 7 in 2010. Regarding PM2.5, this level has been established in 40 micrograms that can be exceeded initially in the 14 days of the year.

These particles are mainly found in car soot and are very harmful to the lungs.