The National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) of Georgia has reported an increase in the concentration of particulate matter (PM) in the atmospheric air in Tbilisi and some regions of the country. PM are tiny particles of solid or liquid matter that can have harmful effects on human health and the environment. The main source of this pollution is transboundary, meaning that it originates from outside the country and is carried by the wind.
What is Particulate Matter and Why is it Dangerous?
Particulate matter (PM) is a mixture of solid and liquid particles that are suspended in the air. PM can vary in size, shape, and composition, depending on the source and the weather conditions. PM can be classified into two categories: PM10 and PM2.5. PM10 are particles that have a diameter of less than 10 micrometers, while PM2.5 are particles that have a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers. To put this into perspective, a human hair has a diameter of about 70 micrometers.
PM can have adverse effects on human health and the environment, especially when the concentration exceeds the recommended levels. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), exposure to PM can cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, such as asthma, bronchitis, heart attacks, and strokes. PM can also increase the risk of lung cancer and premature death. PM can also affect the climate, by reducing visibility, changing the radiation balance, and influencing cloud formation and precipitation.
What are the Sources and Causes of Particulate Matter Pollution?
Particulate matter pollution can originate from natural or anthropogenic (human-made) sources. Natural sources include dust storms, volcanic eruptions, wildfires, and sea spray. Anthropogenic sources include fossil fuel combustion, industrial processes, agriculture, waste disposal, and transportation. Some of these sources emit primary PM, which are directly released into the air. Other sources emit precursor gases, such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ammonia, and volatile organic compounds, which react in the atmosphere to form secondary PM.
The concentration and distribution of PM in the air depend on various factors, such as the emission rate, the meteorological conditions, the topography, and the distance from the source. One of the factors that can influence PM pollution is transboundary transport, which means that PM can travel long distances across borders and regions, carried by the wind and air currents. Transboundary transport can cause PM pollution in areas that are far from the original emission sources, and can also contribute to regional and global environmental problems, such as acid rain and climate change.
What is the Situation of Particulate Matter Pollution in Georgia?
According to the National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) of Georgia, the concentration of PM in the atmospheric air in Tbilisi and some regions of the country has increased in the past few days. The agency has attributed this increase to transboundary pollution, which is a result of specific synoptic conditions that occur on certain days of the year. The agency has assured the public that this is not a reason to panic, and that it is continuously monitoring the air quality using automatic stations. The agency has also provided health recommendations on its air quality portal, which can be accessed by anyone.
The NEPA has not specified the exact regions that are affected by the high levels of PM, nor the exact values of the concentration. However, according to the air quality portal, the average daily concentration of PM10 in Tbilisi on February 18, 2024 was 61.9 micrograms per cubic meter, which is above the WHO guideline of 50 micrograms per cubic meter. The average daily concentration of PM2.5 in Tbilisi on the same day was 32.4 micrograms per cubic meter, which is also above the WHO guideline of 25 micrograms per cubic meter. The portal also shows that the PM concentration in Tbilisi has fluctuated significantly in the past month, reaching peaks of over 100 micrograms per cubic meter on some days.
What are the Possible Solutions and Actions to Reduce Particulate Matter Pollution?
Particulate matter pollution is a complex and multifaceted problem that requires coordinated and comprehensive actions from various stakeholders, such as governments, industries, civil society, and individuals. Some of the possible solutions and actions to reduce PM pollution include:
- Implementing and enforcing strict emission standards and regulations for major sources of PM, such as power plants, factories, vehicles, and waste incinerators.
- Promoting and investing in clean and renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydro, to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and the associated emissions.
- Developing and improving public transportation systems, such as buses, trains, and metro, to reduce the number of private vehicles and the traffic congestion on the roads.
- Encouraging and facilitating the use of alternative modes of transportation, such as cycling, walking, and carpooling, to reduce the individual carbon footprint and the exposure to PM.
- Enhancing and expanding the air quality monitoring network and the public awareness and education campaigns, to provide accurate and timely information and guidance on the air quality and the health risks.
- Adopting and supporting regional and international cooperation and agreements, such as the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution, to address the transboundary aspects of PM pollution and to foster joint actions and solutions.
Particulate matter pollution is a serious and urgent issue that affects the health and well-being of millions of people and the environment. It is important to take action now to reduce the emission and exposure to PM, and to protect ourselves and our planet from the harmful effects of PM.
