La air pollution from particulate matter PM10 This has once again placed Catalonia on high alert. The Catalan government and several city councils, including Barcelona, ​​have issued a preventative warning due to the increase in these pollutants, which have exceeded recommended levels at various monitoring stations.
This PM10 particle warning It does not yet equate to a declared pollution episode, but it does imply a series of recommendations and actions to reduce emissions, limit the population's exposure and prevent the situation from worsening while the intrusion of African dust and unfavorable weather conditions for dispersing pollutants continue.
What is the PM10 particle alert and why has it been activated?
The warning is the phase prior to the declaration of a pollution episodeIt is activated when data from the Air Pollution Monitoring and Forecasting Network (XVPCA or XVPA) show high values ​​of PM10 particles and forecasts indicate that the situation may last for at least another 24 hours.
In this case, the network stations have detected daily levels above 50 μg/m³ In several points of the territory, a reference threshold was initially exceeded in Montcada i Reixac and Barcelona-Navas and was later repeated in up to 18 stations during the morning of the activation day.
The Generalitat explains that this situation is heavily influenced by a dust intrusion from North AfricaThis adds to the pollution generated by traffic, industrial activity, and construction. The persistence of this mass of air laden with particles and unfavorable dispersion conditions prevent the levels from decreasing rapidly.
According to the Department of Territory, Habitatge and Ecological Transition, the 24-hour forecasts They indicate that concentrations will remain high as long as the influx of African dust continues and weather conditions do not clearly change.
What are PM10 particles and where do they come from?
In urban areas such as Barcelona and its surroundings, up to 40% of PM10 come from traffic emissionsThe main sources are emissions from engines, tire and brake wear, and resuspension of dust from the road surface. The rest is associated with sources such as dust from construction sites, demolition, certain industrial activities, and, in some specific episodes, the arrival of Saharan dust clouds.
This type of intrusion of African dust, increasingly frequent according to the recordsThese natural processes generate a background of particles that suddenly increases PM10 concentrations throughout the air column. When this natural contribution coincides with a significant volume of human-caused emissions, it makes it easier to exceed the reference values ​​established to protect health.
The consequences of prolonged exposure to high levels of particles include worsening of respiratory and cardiovascular problemsIrritation of the respiratory tract and general discomfort, especially in people with pre-existing conditions, children, the elderly, and pregnant women.
Key recommendations for citizens during the preventive alert
The administrations emphasize that citizen collaboration is essential to reducing emissions on critical daysAmong the suggested measures are changes in mobility, energy use, and daily habits to reduce both pollution and exposure to it.
Regarding travel, the public is asked to prioritize the public transport and journeys on foot or by bicycleWhenever possible, choose streets with less traffic. If there is no alternative to driving, carpooling is recommended to reduce the number of cars on the road.
There is also an emphasis on the need to adopt a Efficient drivingStart smoothly, avoid sudden acceleration and braking, maintain a moderate speed, and use engine braking. These guidelines help reduce both direct emissions and dust kicked up from the road.
In the domestic and work spheres, the relevant departments advise adjust the climate controlBy slightly raising the air conditioning temperature in summer and lowering it in winter, we can avoid excessive energy consumption linked to electricity generation, which also produces polluting emissions. energy high levels exacerbate these effects.
In addition, it is recommended to ventilate homes and indoor spaces in the off-peak hours and lower concentrations of pollutants, such as at sunset or late at night, always paying attention to air quality warnings.
Vulnerable groups and outdoor physical activity
Public health organizations emphasize that some people are especially sensitive to the effects of pollution. Among them groups considered vulnerable This includes people with respiratory illnesses or cardiovascular health problems, the child population, the elderly and pregnant women.
For these groups, it is recommended reduce the practice of intense outdoor exercise while the preventive alert for PM10 particles remains in place, especially in areas near busy roads or industrial areas.
When possible, it is recommended to move physical activity to time slots with better air quality conditionssuch as late afternoon or evening, and choose routes away from major roads. In case of respiratory discomfort or persistent symptoms, experts advise consulting with healthcare services.
The Public Health Agency of Catalonia makes available to the population specific recommendations to reduce exposureThese guides are available both through their official channels and via environmental information platforms. They pay special attention to the protection of the most vulnerable groups.
Municipal measures and control of dust-generating activities
In parallel with the recommendations to the public, the city councils have activated municipal devices to limit dust generation in public spaces. The Barcelona City Council and other affected municipalities have increased watering of the busiest streets and unpaved areas, such as parks and squares.
Municipal brigades are also being asked to Avoid using blowers and machinery that raises dust, replacing them with cleaning methods that do not stir up as many particles deposited on the floor.
Another important area is public and private works. The Generalitat and the local councils have reminded construction companies of their obligation to implement their environmental planswhich include measures such as watering land surfaces, proper management of powdered materials, or covering loads in trucks.
At the local level, intensive information campaigns are recommended in municipal media, illuminated panels and variable information screens, with the aim of explaining the context of the warning and the measures being appliedIn some cases, it is also suggested to restrict the burning of plant remains and to strengthen monitoring of particularly polluting activities.
Building permits, according to the instructions of the Department of Climate Action and Territory, must incorporate specific conditions to minimize the impact on air qualityThis is especially relevant on days with African dust and poor atmospheric dispersion.
Air quality monitoring and the role of citizens
While the advisory remains in effect, the administration will conduct a daily monitoring of pollution levelsThe General Directorate of Climate Change and Environmental Quality will assess whether it is necessary to extend the warning, activate a more severe pollution episode, or deactivate the alert if the levels decrease.
The public can consult in real time air quality data via the AireCat appAvailable for mobile devices, as well as on the websites and official channels of the Generalitat and the city councils, these tools allow users to check the concentrations of particulate matter, ozone, and other pollutants in each area.
On the main roads, information panels will also display warnings about the pollution levels and mobility recommendations, in order to encourage a reduction in the use of private vehicles during peak hours.
Authorities insist that, although the episode is largely caused by the intrusion of Saharan dust, the It remains key to preventing pollution from spiraling out of control and to meeting European air quality standards in the medium and long term.
Overall, the PM10 particle warning in Catalonia reflects how the combination of natural factors, such as Saharan dust, and emissions linked to human activity It can compromise air quality in a matter of hours. The measures implemented by the Catalan government and local councils, along with the changes in habits requested of the public, aim to reduce pollutant concentrations and protect the most vulnerable groups during these episodes.
