La urban air pollution This is one of the main problems facing Madrid in the context of the fight against climate change. This situation not only affects the health of its inhabitants, but also has serious social and economic implications. The Spanish capital suffers, every year, thousands of deaths related to air pollution, mainly in the form of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Although in recent years a series of measures have been implemented, measures to improve air quality, the results have been insufficient to fully reverse the situation.
In this article, we will address the main factors of air pollution in Madrid, its consequences on health, the environment and the economy, as well as analyzing the solutions and strategies that could help mitigate the problem.
Pollution in Madrid
Madrid is one of the cities in Europe with the highest levels of atmospheric pollution, particularly due to the concentration of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and suspended particles, the latter being the smallest in size (PM2,5 y PM10) the most harmful to human health. Road traffic, mainly diesel vehicles, is one of the main sources of this problem in the Spanish capital.
One of the most obvious effects of pollution in the city is the incidence of respiratory diseases. Long-term exposure to high levels of pollution can aggravate conditions such as asthma, bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). But it doesn't just affect the lungs: it also increases the risk of cardiovascular problems and, in the long term, is linked to diseases such as cancer.
Consequences of pollution in Madrid
The effects of contamination The health problems of Madrid residents are serious and many studies confirm this. According to the Carlos III Institute, more than 14.000 people are admitted to hospitals in the city every year due to illnesses aggravated by poor air quality.
In addition to affecting human health, pollution has devastating effects on the environment. the environmentHigh levels of NO2 and tropospheric ozone, generated by vehicles and industrial activity, contribute to phenomena such as acid rain, which seriously damages ecosystems and agriculture in the areas surrounding the city. In addition, the capital's historical monuments and cultural heritage are deteriorating due to constant exposure to pollutants.
Effects of smog caps
A visibly worrying phenomenon in Madrid is the appearance of the smog berets, a dense layer of toxic clouds that partially covers the city during episodes of thermal inversionThis phenomenon contributes to pollutants remaining trapped in the atmosphere for long periods.
Main pollutants and their concentration
There are several types of contaminants that affect air quality in Madrid, some of which are more dangerous than others due to their characteristics. Below, we review the main ones:
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
El nitrogen dioxide It is one of the most dangerous pollutants in Madrid, and is directly related to emissions from motor vehicles. This gas irritates the respiratory tract, increases susceptibility to infections and aggravates pre-existing lung diseases. In 2022, the annual permitted limit for NO2 (40 µg/m³) was reached in some areas of the city, such as Plaza Elíptica.
Suspended particles (PM10 and PM2,5)
Suspended particles, especially those PM2,5, are extremely harmful due to their ability to penetrate deep into the lungs and reach the bloodstream. In 2022, levels of PM10 were constantly exceeded at several measuring stations in Madrid, and in the case of the PM2,5, repeatedly exceeded the limits recommended by the WHO (5 µg/m³).
Tropospheric ozone (O3)
El tropospheric ozone, a secondary pollutant, is generated in the atmosphere from chemical reactions between NOx and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Its presence increases particularly in warm and sunny months. In areas of the northeast and northwest of Madrid, high ozone levels cause serious problems for both health and vegetation.
Measures to reverse pollution in Madrid
To address the problem, several measures have been implemented. One of the most important is the creation of Low Emission Zones (ZBE), which limit or prohibit access to areas of the city to polluting vehicles. An example is Madrid Central, which has resulted in a significant reduction in NO2 concentrations (18,6%).
In addition, Madrid City Council has introduced regulations that encourage the use of public transport, bicycles and electric vehicles, and that penalize the most polluting cars. Investments are also being made in the promotion of Parkland and urban reforestation, strategies that have proven effective in purifying the air.
However, these measures have not been enough to reverse the situation in the most affected areas such as the southwest and northeast of the capital, where levels of NO2 and suspended particles remain worrying. Looking ahead, it will be necessary to intensify restrictions and continue investing in sustainable infrastructure to improve air quality throughout the city.
Ultimately, the fight against pollution must be a joint effort between authorities, citizens and companies, with a greater commitment from all sectors to reduce emissions and protect the health of Madrid's inhabitants.