Something in the Air (Air Pollution in Ireland) EE19 EP7

Summary

This video discusses a school’s initiative to improve air quality by reducing traffic outside the school through a road closure. The project led to a 20% reduction in nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter levels, benefiting local air quality. While initially met with resistance from parents, the change has improved safety for students and enhanced the environment. Researchers from global studies suggest that such traffic-reducing measures can significantly improve air quality. The video emphasizes the importance of creativity in finding solutions to pollution, with a call for bolder actions to tackle air quality in the future.

Takeaways

• 😀 Lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic led to the largest unintended air quality experiment in history, with a noticeable drop in air pollution globally.
• 😀 Air pollution is the single largest environmental health risk globally, causing millions of premature deaths annually from conditions like strokes, heart disease, and respiratory diseases.
• 😀 Studies suggest that people living in areas with higher levels of air pollution are more susceptible to contracting COVID-19, with some even linking airborne pollutants to increased viral transmission.
• 😀 In Ireland, air pollution from solid fuel heating in smaller towns has been linked to high levels of harmful particles in the air, which are detrimental to health.
• 😀 Nitrogen dioxide, primarily produced by combustion engines, is a major traffic-related pollutant that worsens air quality, contributing to respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular diseases.
• 😀 Diesel vehicles, once promoted as a more environmentally friendly alternative, have been found to be much more polluting on the road than in laboratory tests, contributing significantly to nitrogen dioxide pollution.
• 😀 'Dieselgate' revealed that diesel cars were emitting far higher levels of pollutants than allowed, and despite the scandal, diesel vehicles still account for a significant portion of cars on the road in Ireland.
• 😀 Poor air quality in urban areas has been shown to increase hospital admissions for respiratory conditions, especially asthma, with direct correlations between high pollution levels and the rise in health problems.
• 😀 Ireland has one of the highest asthma rates in the world, with over 8,000 asthma-related hospital admissions every year. Poor air quality exacerbates this health burden, particularly for children.
• 😀 Initiatives like 'School Streets' in Dublin have successfully reduced traffic and air pollution near schools, demonstrating that local actions can significantly improve air quality and safety, especially for children.

Q & A

How did the COVID-19 lockdown affect air pollution worldwide?

The COVID-19 lockdown led to a significant decrease in human activity, resulting in a dramatic reduction in air pollution globally. This period became an unintended experiment that showed how reductions in transportation and industrial activity could improve air quality.

What is the primary health risk associated with air pollution?

Air pollution is the leading environmental health risk worldwide, causing strokes, heart disease, cancer, and respiratory diseases. It is responsible for an estimated 7 million deaths annually.

What are the specific pollutants that contribute to health problems in Ireland?

In Ireland, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine particulate matter are key pollutants that negatively impact health. These pollutants primarily come from the burning of fossil fuels, especially for home heating and transportation.

How has air pollution been linked to COVID-19?

Early studies suggest that individuals living in areas with higher levels of air pollution may be more susceptible to COVID-19. Some studies even propose that airborne pollutants might facilitate viral transmission by providing a surface for the virus to attach to.

What effect did the lockdown have on nitrogen dioxide levels in Ireland?

During the lockdown, nitrogen dioxide levels in Ireland dropped significantly, following the global trend of reduced traffic and industrial activity. However, as lockdown measures were eased, these levels began to rise again.

What was the role of diesel vehicles in worsening air quality?

Diesel vehicles were promoted for their lower CO2 emissions, but they emit large amounts of nitrogen dioxide, which significantly worsens air quality. Diesel exhaust fumes have been classified as carcinogenic by the World Health Organization.

What is the environmental legacy of Dieselgate in relation to air pollution?

Dieselgate exposed that many car manufacturers were falsifying emissions tests, allowing diesel cars to emit far more nitrogen dioxide than legally allowed. Despite the scandal, diesel vehicles remain prevalent on the roads, continuing to contribute to poor air quality and health issues.

What health impacts were observed in Dublin related to air quality?

In Dublin, studies have shown a clear correlation between poor air quality and increased hospital admissions for respiratory illnesses. For instance, asthma-related admissions rose significantly on days with poor air quality, with children particularly vulnerable.

How can air quality monitoring improve public awareness and health outcomes?

Air quality monitoring, like the projects conducted by students in schools, helps raise awareness about the health impacts of pollution. By providing real-time data, it empowers communities to take action and advocates for better urban planning and policy changes to improve air quality.

What actions are being taken to improve air quality around schools in Ireland?

The 'School Streets' initiative, implemented by Fingal County Council, restricts traffic around schools to improve safety and air quality. This program has led to a significant reduction in nitrogen dioxide levels near schools, benefiting both the environment and children's health.