Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the National Clean Air Programme in Terms of Health Impacts from Exposure to PM2.5 and NO2 Concentrations in Poland

Abstract

The health impact of air quality has recently become an emerging issue. Many regions, especially densely populated regions, have deteriorating air quality. The primary source of pollution in Poland is the municipal sector. Air pollutants have a negative impact on human health, contribute to premature deaths, and are the cause of various diseases. Over recent years, Europe’s air quality has largely improved due to several measures to reduce pollutant emissions. The following paper presents the impact of annual average PM2.5 and NO2 concentrations on premature deaths in Poland in 2019. Exposure to PM2.5 caused more than 19 000 premature deaths, and exposure to NO2 contributed to around 6000 premature deaths in 2019. Taking 2019 as a baseline, the impact of the envisaged implementation of the national Clean Air Programme on the number of premature deaths is analysed. Implementing the mitigation measures focused on replacing inefficient stoves and boilers in individual households would significantly improve air quality, mainly particulate matter. Reducing PM2.5 concentrations would reduce premature deaths by around 3000 cases, while for NO2, the number of premature deaths would not change much.

Downscaling of Regional Air Quality Model using Gaussian Plume Model and Random Forest Regression

“…PM 10 is a major air pollutant that can significantly impact human health, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases [1]. Therefore, accurate and detailed information on PM 10 concentrations is essential for assessing and managing the impacts of air pollution.…”

Downscaling of Regional Air Quality Model Using Gaussian Plume Model and Random Forest Regression

“…Many of these chemicals are emitted directly from an anthropogenic source, such as construction sites, unpaved roads, fields, smokestacks, or fires. PM 10 is a major air pollutant that can significantly impact human health, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases [2]. Within Europe, Poland and, in particular, its southern provinces are in focus due to their high industrialization [3], and a large number of the population is affected by high PM 10 and PM 2.5 concentrations [4].…”