Comparison of PM<sub>10</sub> Levels in Three of the Most Polluted Cities in Romania over the Periods Related to Lower Traffic—Implications for Human Health

oleh: George-Bogdan Burghelea, Luminita Mărmureanu, Gabriela Iorga, Bogdan Antonescu

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: MDPI AG 2024-09-01

Deskripsi

The COVID-19 pandemic has provided an opportunity to examine the impact of reduced human activity on air quality. This study assesses the levels of particulate matter (PM<sub>10</sub>) in three cities—Bucharest, Brașov, and Iași—during the pandemic restrictions in 2020, comparing them with data from the pre-pandemic period (2017–2019) and post-lockdown period (2021–2022). The results show a significant decrease in PM<sub>10</sub> levels during the lockdown, which is closely associated with reduced traffic and mobility. Notably, while PM<sub>10</sub> concentrations initially spiked at the beginning of 2020, they markedly declined following the enforcement of lockdown measures, during which mobility to workplaces in these cities decreased by about 60% in Bucharest, 50% in Brașov, and 45% in Iași. Health risks related to PM<sub>10</sub> exposure were evaluated using the hazard quotient method, following EU and WHO guidelines. Despite the reduction in pollution levels in 2020, the findings suggest long-term human health risks for residents of these cities. This research highlights the critical need for sustainable strategies to address air quality issues in urban areas and protect public health.