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

• Published in: Applied sciences 2024-09, Vol.14 (18)
• Main Authors: Burghelea, George-Bogdan, Mărmureanu, Luminita, Iorga, Gabriela, Antonescu, Bogdan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Air pollution; Air quality; Analysis; Health; Health aspects
• ISSN: 2076-3417; 2076-3417
• DOI: 10.3390/app14188169

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]) 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] levels during the lockdown, which is closely associated with reduced traffic and mobility. Notably, while PM[sub.10] 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] 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.