Air pollution below permitted levels, says EPA
The report, based on findings from 54 stations in operation during the year, examined levels of sulphur dioxide, black smoke, particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen oxides, lead, carbon monoxide and benzene.
The pollutants of most concern, the EPA states, were fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and to a lesser extent ozone. These factors can have a direct impact on health when levels are excessive.
Particulate Matter (PM10) concentrations in 2004 were significantly lower than in 2003. All stations were compliant with the 2005 limit value, according to the report.
“There were 16 values above the limit value recorded at Coleraine Street in Dublin. However, the number is significantly lower than the number recorded in 2003,” the report says.
Limits of hourly sulphur dioxide (SO2) concentrations measured in 2004 were very low relative to the limit values set down in Directive 1999/30/EC.
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations measured in 2004 were compliant with future 2010 limit values.
Ozone (O3) concentrations measured in Ireland in 2004 were lower than in 2003. The eight hour target value was reached on 11 days at Valentia but this was within the permitted number of 25 days.
