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They denounce that PM2.5 microparticles are not measured and claim preventive actions for greater control over industrial emissions and heavy road traffic accessing the industrial zone as well as greater investment in the atmospheric surveillance network
Ecologistas en Acción has reported to the General Directorate of Environment and the City of Cartagena the increase in PM10 particle levels that exceed the limit value of 50 micrograms on May 2 at the Valle de Escombreras station [1]. which has involved the activation of the anti-pollution protocol in the municipality of Cartagena.
The pollution produced by PM10 particles (particles up to 10 microns) originates mainly from the emissions of road traffic, especially heavy road traffic, also in emissions from the petrochemical industry, metallurgical activities and production of phosphates, etc. .
At certain times, the contribution due to emissions from agricultural burning in certain localities is also important.
To anthropic sources are added sources of natural origin such as Saharan dust intrusions that affect the region of Murcia in an episodic manner.
Ecologists in Action also denounces that PM2.5 microparticles are not measured in the entire atmospheric surveillance network, and are only measured in the Mompean station.
They consider it necessary that all the stations of the network in Cartagena measure the levels of PM2.5 microparticles, which is the most dangerous fraction, since due to their smaller size they reach the pulmonary alveoli and can pass to the blood flow, causing cardiovascular problems, such as They show different scientific studies.
Other pollutants
To this contamination by PM10 particles, we must add two episodes of consecutive exceedance of the hourly limit value of sulfur dioxide (SO2) of 350 micrograms per cubic meter value, which had not happened in several years.
Station of the Valley of Escombreras, April 28:
17 hours- average hourly concentration: 410 micrograms per cubic meter
18 hours- average hourly concentration 409 micrograms per cubic meter
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is an irritant and toxic gas emitted mainly by certain industrial activities.
Exposure of high concentrations for short periods of time can irritate the respiratory tract, cause bronchitis and congest the bronchial passages of asthmatics
The impact of particle pollution
Chronic exposure to particles has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
Increases PM10 particles, cause a 1% increase in income of all cardiovascular causes.
In 2014, 92% of the population resided in places where the air quality guidelines were not met.
Of all air pollutants, particulate matter, derived from fuels, has the greatest effect on health.
It is estimated that 25% of deaths from lung cancer, 8% from lung diseases (COPD) and 15% from ischemic heart disease and stroke and deaths.
PM10 particles also have an impact on the natural environment.
By depositing on the leaves of plants can reduce the capacity of gas exchange and affect photosynthesis.
To conclude, the organization criticizes that we continue to have a regional network of obsolete air quality monitoring with multiple deficiencies, something that has been denounced for several years.
Many analyzers have greatly exceeded their useful life, due to lack of sufficient investment from the Regional Government.
The obsolescence of the regional network causes deterioration in these infrastructures, increasing the problems and maintenance costs, increasing technical failures and the consequent absence of data, increasing incidents, false overruns, breakdowns and crashes of the computer system.
Ecologists in Action recalls that air pollution is not only an environmental problem, it is a public health problem, and that many recent studies warn of its effects on the population, ranging from the loss of quality of life, to the appearance and / or worsening of pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases, as well as increased mortality and decreased life expectancy.
[1] https://sinqlair.carm.es/calidadaire/redvigilancia/redvigilancia.aspx
Source: Ecologistas en Acción
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