State of the environment
Our air
What is the state of our air?
Nitrogen oxide's pollution remains high in certain urban areas. Concentrations can only be significantly reduced through shifting to more sustainable patterns of mobility and energy consumption.
Initial results indicate high levels of particulates in Malta and more studies are needed to identify sources.
Transboundary air pollution in the form of ozone and sulphur dioxide is of concern given the islands' geographical situation and weather patterns. Long-term effects of ozone on human health and on agriculture are of concern.
There have been significant decreases in the levels of sulphur dioxide and benzene in the air, due to switches to cleaner fuels. Air quality in heavily-trafficked and enclosed streets can be many times worse than that a few streets away.
Air quality at the real-time monitoring station at Floriana is on average good to moderate, with particulates and sulphur dioxide levels of more concern.
Some facts...
In 2004, ozone levels at the Gozo Gordan lighthouse exceeded EU air quality standards on 36 per cent of days tested.
Annual averages of NO2 in Floriana were always above the annual limit value for human health protection.
SO2 levels have decreased but concentrations in localities such as Fgura are above both hourly and annual EU standards.
Concentrations of particulate matter at the Floriana station exceeded EU thresholds on 37 out of 99 days measured.
The State of the Environment Report 2005 is a Mepa publication available on www.mepa.org.mt