- The “Clear Air Together Citizen Science Project”, led by the EPA and the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce, has worked with 1000 Dublin citizen scientists, to measure air pollution from traffic in their local areas.
- The results clearly show that higher nitrogen dioxide levels are linked with higher traffic volumes.
- The results will be used by the EPA to to support air quality modelling in Dublin and will be used by Dublin local authorities to support air quality management.
- None of the results indicate a breach of EU air quality limit (40 µg/m3).
- Clean Air Together is moving to Cork in late 2022.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and An Taisce’s Environmental Education Unit, this evening hosted a webinar with the citizen scientists of the Clean Air Together project, to present the results of the study.
During October 2021, these citizen scientists measured levels of the harmful air pollutant, Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2). The information gathered by them will now be used by the EPA to assist with air quality modelling and forecasting.
Commenting on the project, Mr Andy Fanning, Programme Manager in EPA, said: “Clean Air Together is a real success story for Citizen Science, with almost one thousand residents in Dublin measuring the levels of air pollution in their local areas. While the EPA has fixed air pollution monitoring sites in Dublin, this project has given us data about many areas that we are currently unable to monitor. This is the first time such a study has been run in Ireland and we are thrilled to see the level of interest. Unfortunately, we had to turn some people away and very much hope we can find ways to work with them again in the future. We simply couldn’t have completed this project without Dublin’s citizen scientists”.
Results showed that, while NO2 levels across Dublin city and county were generally good, higher levels were found near busy roads. This is not unexpected, as NO2 comes mainly from traffic. None of the levels reported in this project exceeded the EU annual average limit (40 µg/m3), but it should be noted that lower levels of NO2, are better for everyone’s health. All results are available on the Clean Air Together project site, HERE.
Ms Sabrina Moore, Clean Air Together project manager An Taisce’s Environmental Education Unit added: “The level of interest in this project shows people’s growing awareness of the importance of good air quality in their city, and a genuine interest in helping to protect their environment. So, what can we all do for our air quality? Where possible we should try to limit our personal car use by using public transport more often, or by walking or cycling. Continued investments in these infrastructures will make these choices easier. By shifting our behaviour we can make a difference and ensure that air quality is healthier across the city”.
For further information contact: Emily Williamson, EPA Media Relations Office 053-9170770 (24 hours) or media@epa.ie
The EPA would want to be investigating the river Suir here in Thurles. Another 2 dead ducks in the water today. That’s 6 I’ve counted since October.