State of the environment

Do nitrogen oxide concentrations meet EU air quality standards?

Localities experiencing heavy traffic, in particular Floriana, Hamrun and Sliema, are the most affected by nitrogen dioxide (NO2).

The annual averages of 2003-2004 in Floriana were for both years above the 40 µg/m3 annual limit value for human health protection. Regarding individual sites, St Anne Street is by far the most severely affected by NO2, with annual averages of 71 µg/m3 in 2003 and 82 µg/m3 in 2004.

However, the analysis of the real time measurements made at Floriana station revealed that the 200 µg/m3 hourly limit value for humans was never exceeded. In line with international trends, there was an eight per cent nationwide reduction in nitrogen oxides between 2003 and 2004, however concentrations rose in localities such as Floriana (15 per cent).

Although annual averages of nitrogen dioxide concentration lie below the limit value for the protection of ecosystems in most localities, the levels of this pollutant remain high in certain urban areas and concentrations can only be significantly reduced through more sustainable patterns of mobility and energy consumption.

The State of the Environment Report 2005 is a Mepa publication available on www.mepa.org.mt