On a rooftop on Södermalm in Stockholm stands one of the stations that measure air pollution in the city. Today, the instrument shows low levels of dangerous particles in the air.
– The levels were high 20-30 years ago. But in the last seven years, we have not exceeded the existing environmental quality standards, says Max Elmgren, Stockholm city environmental investigator.
In fact, Stockholm is one of the cities in Europe with the best air quality. Both nitrogen oxide from vehicle exhaust and air particles from worn road surfaces have steadily declined over the past two decades.
On Hornsgatan, where studded tires are now prohibited, the particles (PM10) have decreased by almost 60 percent since the first measurement in 2005.
– It is clear that it feels very positive that we see that this very persistent work has yielded results, says Åsa Lindhagen (MP), City of Stockholm’s environmental and climate councilor.
Good for the kids
Air quality has generally improved in recent years, as old cars are replaced by new, more environmentally friendly ones. At the same time, local efforts accelerate the effect.
In Stockholm, the introduction of environmental zones has contributed to lower levels of nitrogen oxides. A ban on studded tires on certain streets, early spring cleaning and road dust binding have contributed to reducing the health-hazardous particles in the air.
– We have seen in our studies that it provides clear health benefits. Children have had better lung growth and a reduced risk of asthma. But we need to do more, says Olena Gruzieva, docent of environmental medical epidemiology Karolinska Institutet.
Risk factor
Globally, air pollution is the biggest risk factor for ill-health, and is linked to cardiovascular diseases, lung diseases and cancer, among other things. In Stockholm alone, air pollution is estimated to cause between 1,000 and 1,500 people to die prematurely every year.
– We will not be satisfied until people can feel safe breathing the air in Stockholm without it affecting their health negatively, we are not there today, says Åsa Lindhagen (MP).