Today's Post: Air Pollution Problem in Poland

This post is based on the report from the Chief Inspectorate of Environmental Protection (GIOŚ) and addresses critical societal issues, namely SMOG.

The full report can be accessed on the GIOŚ website. In this article, I will discuss the causes of smog and the values indicating its exceedances.

GIOŚ Annual Report on Air Quality

The GIOŚ annual report analyzes substances for which the EU has established normative concentration limits in the air. These substances include:

Sulfur dioxide (SO₂)
Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂)
Carbon monoxide (CO)
Benzene (C₆H₆)
Ozone (O₃)
Particulate matter (PM10)
Lead (Pb), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) in PM10
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5)

The permissible concentrations of these pollutants are outlined in the European Parliament and Council Directive and have been mandatory for EU Member States since 2008.

This post focuses on exceedances related to PM10 particulate matter concentrations.

Causes of Smog in Poland

Poland has been grappling with the smog issue for years, particularly during autumn and winter when the heating season begins. Although the situation is gradually improving thanks to regulations, government programs, and increased public awareness, the problem remains significant in many regions.

Exceedances occur when monitoring stations record pollutant concentrations above the regulatory limits. The allowable annual average PM10 concentration is 40 µg/m³, with a daily limit of 50 µg/m³.

Sources of Exceedances

1. Individual Heating Systems

The GIOŚ report identifies emissions from individual building heating as the main cause of PM10 exceedances. These exceedances primarily occur during the winter due to increased emissions from burning solid fuels for heating.

2022 Emissions Data:
- Emissions from non-industrial and non-transport combustion processes accounted for 67.6% of Poland's total PM10 emissions.
- The largest share comes from the municipal and residential sector, including heating buildings. These emissions often originate from low emitters (small chimneys in residential areas), significantly impacting air quality in densely populated areas.

2. Transportation Sector

Transportation contributed approximately 4.6% of national PM10 emissions.

Emissions from vehicles, especially in urban centers with heavy traffic and street canyons, can cause local exceedances of PM10, PM2.5, and NO₂ standards.

3. Industrial Combustion

The industrial combustion sector contributed 2.5% of PM10 emissions, with lower impacts due to high smokestacks and less frequent proximity to residential areas.

4. Agriculture

Agriculture accounted for 10.7% of PM10 emissions, contributing to localized high concentrations in specific areas.

Meteorological Factors

Air pollution levels are influenced by meteorological conditions, including:

Temperature: Higher heating demand increases emissions.
Wind Speed: Low wind speeds lead to pollutant accumulation.
Thermal Inversions: Trap pollutants near the ground.
Precipitation: Reduces dust re-suspension and washes pollutants from the air.

The meteorological conditions in 2023 were more favorable for reducing air pollution than in 2022 and 2021, leading to fewer exceedances.

Efforts to Combat Smog

Key Actions:

National Programs:
- The "Clean Air" program supports the replacement of old heating systems and building thermal upgrades.
Regulations and Policies:
- Local anti-smog resolutions banning high-emission heating systems.
Public Awareness:
- Formal and informal environmental education to foster sustainable practices.

Results:

The combination of technical, administrative, and educational measures has helped reduce air pollution in recent years. However, continued efforts are needed to achieve sustainable air quality levels.

This detailed overview highlights the multifaceted nature of the smog issue in Poland, emphasizing the importance of collective action and policy interventions to improve air quality.