Citizens help Commission assess pollution in European cities
'Air quality laws can only be truly effective if they are understood and endorsed by those they are meant to protect - European citizens,' said the EU Commissioner for Research, Philippe Busquin, as he presented the first results of the PEOPLE project (population exposure to air pollutants in Europe) on 30 June in Brussels. Launched on 22 October 2002, the PEOPLE project selected over 125 citizens from Brussels to participate in the first one-day pilot experiment to assess levels of exposure to benzene, a carcinogenic compound that is associated with an increased risk of developing leukaemia. Benzene is also considered a good indicator for the presence of other pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. Participants were selected according to a set of well-defined criteria (smokers, non-smokers; public transport users; cyclists). Each participant wore a sensor for 12 hours. Measurements were then taken for 24 hours in a wide range of indoor locations and outdoor locations, such as shops, bars, schools, public transport and offices. Previously, stationary measurement instruments had been used to measure the levels of pollution in towns and cities. As Mr Busquin explained, the experiment is the first of it kind, bringing as it does the citizen into the process of air quality evaluation. 'With the PEOPLE project, science has descended from its ivory tower, making itself not only more accessible to the public, but allowing the public to become the principal investigator in the process,' said Mr Busquin. 'Research projects such as PEOPLE are key to providing decision-makers, environment and health professionals, as well as the general public, with a clearer understanding of urban air pollution and its impact on health. The knowledge gained by this important research will help us to shape our decisions on traffic and transport issues, and encourage people to make healthier lifestyle choices,' he added. The readings from the sensors revealed that on the day in question, except for areas of dense traffic, external pollution levels in Brussels complied with the yearly value of five micrograms per cubic meter, as stipulated by the Community directive on air pollution. More specifically, benzene concentration levels were seen to be just half of those observed ten years ago. As Giovanni De Santi, head of the JRC's emissions and health unit, told CORDIS News: 'We are now seeing the benefit of measures already introduced by EU legislation, regional authorities and industry to reduce the pollution level, such as improvements to car technology, traffic control and stricter emission standards.' In terms of indoor pollution levels, the highest levels of concentration were found inside cars, as well as places where tobacco smoke may be present. The lowest concentrations were noted in schools and offices. Exposure was also related to a person's lifestyle. For instance, the findings reveal that smokers are by far the most polluted sector of citizens, exhibiting a median value of 7.5 micrograms per cubic meter. In the absence of smoking, the mode of transport was the main factor affecting personal exposure. However, the most surprising and perhaps worrying results were those taken from the houses of citizens, where benzene concentrations were seen to be twice that of the city background air, with a median value of nearly seven micrograms per cubic meter. While such feedback regarding the levels of indoor pollution is useful, Mr Busquin told CORDIS News that legislating for such pollution is a far more delicate matter than outdoor air policy: ' We have to consider that the privacy of citizens must be respected.' While the Commission can supply the data, it is up to the regional and local authorities to popularise these findings and develop methods to raise awareness among the public on the factors influencing their environment and the impact of their lifestyles and habits, said the Commissioner. Jean Vanwetwinkel, present at the Brussels event, was also surprised at the high concentrations of benzene indoors. He initially signed up to participate because he wanted to find out how pollution was affecting his health. Like the Commissioner, Mr Vanwetwinkel also believes that local authorities need to increase the public's knowledge about the presence of benzene. 'It is up to the citizens to shoulder the responsibility of controlling the level of benzene in their home and lifestyles, but it would be worthwhile for local and regional authorities to consider providing a service to the public, whereby citizens could have their houses tested for benzene concentration,' he suggested. According to Dr De Santi, regional authorities have already started using the PEOPLE project to help people understand what they can do to reduce exposure to such pollutants. For instance, when the experiment took place in Lisbon, over 50 schools and 500 students participated in role-play and video conference activities focused on the subject of air pollution. Students also helped with the gathering of scientific data, and participated with other citizens in a debate on the project's results. Dr De Santi believes that the PEOPLE project is a true example of effective collaboration between local authorities and the Commission, paving the way for a strengthened European Research Area (ERA). 'The lessons learnt in Brussels will help us adapt our methods for further experiments. We hope to put the lessons learnt into practice by extending the measuring campaign from just benzene to benzene and another serious pollutant, fine particulates,' he said. Other PEOPLE campaigns have already been conducted in Bucharest and Ljubliana. Further experiments are expected in Madrid and Budapest by the end of the year. Other cities, including Belgrade, Dublin, Paris and Rome have also expressed interest to be associated with the project.
Countries
Belgium, Spain, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia