What is the reason for the pollution of the Po Valley?

Air pollution is a problem in many areas of the world. In Italy, the Po Valley is one of the worst affected areas. Every year, poor air quality causes thousands of premature deaths and irreversible damage to health. In this article, we delve into the main causes of air pollution in the Po Valley, how we can act and how nature can help us.

The main causes of air pollution in the Po Valley

The Po Valley is one of the regions with the highest levels of air pollution in Europe, especially in the winter months. The geographical conformation of the area, surrounded by mountains, makes air exchange difficult, favouring the accumulation of pollutants. But that is not all: weather conditions, which often favour the absence of strong winds, further contribute to the phenomenon.

What is pollution in the Po Valley due to? The main sources, according to ISPRA, are:
– Domestic and commercial heating (37%): the use of inefficient wood-burning stoves and fireplaces release huge quantities of particulate into the air.
– Agriculture and intensive livestock farming (21%): agricultural activities and livestock farms in the Po Valley contribute significantly to the degradation of air quality.
– Road transport (14%): heavy traffic, especially on motorways and in large cities, is one of the main causes of pollutant emissions.
– Industry (10%): despite the introduction of stricter regulations, some industrial areas maintain high levels of emissions, worsening the situation.

Air pollutants and their effects on health

Tra gli inquinanti più dannosi per la salute umana, troviamo il particolato fine (PM10, PM2.5), il monossido di azoto (NO), il biossido di azoto (NO₂) e l’ammoniaca (NH₃). Tutti questi provengono principalmente dai gas di scarico delle auto, dall’usura dei pneumatici, dal riscaldamento domestico, dalle attività industriali e dall’agricoltura. Le loro conseguenze sulla salute sono devastanti. In Italia, secondo la Società Italiana di Medicina Ambientale, la pessima qualità dell’aria causa 80.000 decessi ogni anno.

What can we do to improve air quality?

To reduce air pollution in the Po Valley, several strategies are essential:

– More sustainable transport: enhancing public transport and infrastructure for bicycles and pedestrians can help reduce traffic emissions.
– Energy efficiency of buildings: improving insulation and encouraging the use of more efficient heating systems, such as heat pumps, can limit the release of pollutants into the atmosphere.
– Low-impact technologies: promoting less polluting industrial solutions and incentivising the use of renewable energy sources are key steps to improve air quality.
Even at an individual level, we can make a difference by making responsible consumption choices and reducing our environmental impact.

Nature is our ally against air pollution

Trees are one of the most natural and effective solutions for cleaner air. In addition to absorbing CO₂ and releasing oxygen, they can reduce the concentration of fine particulate matter in the air. This happens because the leaves trap pollutant particles, which are then washed away by rain.

In cities, green areas are essential for the health and well-being of their inhabitants. Planting trees and creating new green spaces not only improves air quality, but also helps mitigate climate change.

What is the reason for the pollution of the Po Valley?

In our YouTube video, we explore the causes of poor air quality in the Po Valley and list practical solutions to improve it. If you want to learn more about this important issue for our health and the environment, watch the video and find out how we can make a difference.