By Isha Sesay • Published: 29 Nov 2019 • 16:45
STUDY: A study by the World Health Organisation showed that Palma de Mallorca vastly exceeded its pollution levels. Credit: Jordi Avella
PALMA DE MALLORCA has been revealed as one of the most polluting cities in Spain by the World Health Organisation (WHO). In a study of 19 cities in the country, Palma showed one of the highest levels of PM2.5, which refers to atmospheric particulate matter which are often included in air quality reports from environmental authorities and companies. Results showed that Palma vastly exceeded the limit established by the WHO, which is set at 10 micrograms/m3. Of the cities studied, only León, Cáceres, Las Palmas, Salamanca, Vitoria, Tenerife and Burgos meet the standards established by the WHO. Scientific studies show that these fine particles are the most harmful to one’s health and can come from various sources such as motor vehicles, airplanes, residential wood burning and forest fires. Reports also indicate the link between exposure to these particles to premature death from heart and lung disease, where they are also known to trigger or worsen conditions such as asthma or bronchitis. Findings from the Spanish Heart Foundation (FEC) also show that air pollution causes 30,000 deaths in Spain each year and 8.8 million deaths worldwide. The results were released ahead of the Climate Summit, which takes place in Madrid between December 2 and 13 this year.
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