Report: Air pollution caused by traffic in larger cities decreased during lockdowns

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Air pollution caused by traffic has decreased in five larger cities after lockdowns, according to a report by an environmental group.

The concentration of PM10 and NOx (nitrogen oxide) in İstanbul, Ankara, İzmir, Bursa and Çanakkale significantly decreased in April, May and June compared to the same period last year, said the Ecosfer Association, citing data from 12 air quality measurement stations set up by municipalities and the Ministry of Environment and Urbanism.

The highest decrease in April was recorded with 38.36 percent in İstanbul's Mecidiyeköy, an area with usually heavy traffic.

NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) concentration decreased in 10 stations in April, all 12 stations in May and seven stations in June compared to the same month last year.

Partial curfews had been in place in Turkey's larger cities until the start of June.

Prof. Kayıhan Pala from Uludağ University's Public Health Department said about 25 percent of the fine particle pollution in cities is caused by vehicle traffic.

For the demonstration of the air pollution caused by transportation, measurement stations should be set up in all cities, said Pala.

"Many scientific studies have linked particulate matter inhalation to major health problems such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and heart attacks," he added.

About 16 percent of Turkey's all greenhouse gas emissions come from the transportation sector, the report also notes and says "green solutions" for transportation should be promoted to decrease air pollution.

While a person using an electric bus causes 25 grams of carbon dioxide emission per kilometer, a person using their own car causes eight times more emissions, according to the report.

Non-rechargeable hybrid cars and shared scooters are "not innocent as they are thought to be, the report also notes. (TP/VK)