Key policy question: Do nitrogen dioxide concentrations in Malta meet EU air quality standards?

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2 is emitted mainly from fossil fuel burning. Although the annual average national NO2 concentration remained well below the 40μg/m3 EU and the World Health Organisation (WHO) limit value, it continued to increase between 2006 and 2007, from 25.4μg/m3 to 28.9μg/m3 respectively. In 2007, annual average values exceeded annual EU standards in six localities. Furthermore, 27 individual sites registered NO2 levels higher than the EU and WHO limit, with St. Anne's Street, Floriana, increasing by six per cent to 98.4μg/m³ in 2007. This suggests that nitrogen oxides are on the rise due to increasing traffic, particularly where poor ventilation prevails. Real-time measurements for 2007 indicate one exceedance for the EU hourly limit value, in Msida.

Policy responses: Mepa's policy responses in this area include air quality monitoring, and the preparation of an Air Quality Plan, which includes traffic-related measures.

The Environment Report seeks to increase awareness and understanding of key environmental issues and trends, to provide a sound evidence base for policy and decision-making, and to facilitate the measurement of environmental performance and progress towards sustainability.

For more information visit www.mepa.org.mt/ter.