BRUSSELS - Measures to combat coronavirus in the past month have led to a 40% reduction in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the air, with 1,500 deaths avoided in Italy, 11,000 across Europe. This is the analysis of the Center for research on energy and clean air (Crea), based in Helsinki. In detail, the average level of pollution from nitrogen dioxide (NO2) decreased by about 40% (-43% in Italy) and that from particulate matter by 10% (-5% in Italy). The study shows larger reductions in particulate levels than previously reported, and attributes this drop to lockdown measures taken in Europe to combat the new coronavirus. The impact on deaths is assessed on the basis of the latest risk models that link exposure to air pollution with damage to health.
In Italy -1,500 deaths thanks to smog drop due to lockdown
2020-04-30T14:35:42.417Z
(HANDLE)
