Plants against pollution Environmental pollution in urban areas has a significant impact on public health. An EU-funded project has developed methodology for the assessment of this impact and the reduction of pollution and associated health costs. Climate Change and Environment © Thinkstock A decline in urban air quality as a result of pollutants such as ozone and particulate matter (PM) is linked to cardio-respiratory diseases. Increasing vegetation in cities is one solution, since plants are able to remove certain pollutants from the environment. The ʹHealth risk from environmental pollution levels in urban systemsʹ (HEREPLUS) project was a collaboration among four universities, five research organisations and one techno-structure across six European countries. The project investigated four urban areas (Athens, Dresden, Madrid and Rome) using a geographical information system (GIS) approach. It aimed at finding ways to assess the health risks of environmental pollution levels in urban settings and to reduce pollution through the use of vegetation. Risk maps and models relating to human health, pollutant particles and ozone concentrations were developed. Researchers also investigated the role of urban plants in removing pollutants. They focused on the best ways to select plants that don't produce volatile organic substances and on how to manage large green areas. Research carried out by project partners informed the development of an Operational Manual for stakeholders involved in managing the urban environment at different levels. The manual contains guidelines for establishing measures to reduce air pollution. The project has thus contributed positively to EU environment and health policies. The immediate impact is set to be an improvement in air quality and public health. Hopefully, the methodologies devised by the project will also be implemented in other EU urban areas with the same positive results.
