Córdoba’s air quality is fair, but uneven

Laboratory director Hebe Carreras said air quality in the Córdoba capital was at an acceptable level, taking into account daily averages and exposure over time. But if you focus on certain moments, times and places, the diagnosis changes.

“Air quality is not uniform throughout the city of Córdoba,” the scientist explained. “Some areas work well and others don’t, such as where there is a mix of industrial and vehicular emission sources.” Add to.

Measurements are made with sensors capable of determining suspended particulate matter (PM), which can be of different sizes (large, fine and ultrafine). The largest particles, known as PM10, It’s made up of particles like dust, pollen and mold and can trigger allergic reactions, bronchitis and asthma attacks. However, PM2.5 poses a greater risk because of its ability to penetrate the airways more deeply.

The last measurement of the city’s team will be in 2021, Located in the neighborhoods of Ferreyra, Matienzo, Argüello, Villa el Libertador and Pueyrredón. In no case did the daily limit for fine particulate matter (PM, 2.5) exceed provincial law.

However, if the new standard recommended by the World Health Organization is considered, 40% of the days in the two sampling areas exceeded the standard. In urban areas, the most common pollutants are particulate matter, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds, among others. Many of these substances are also greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming, coming from two main sources: automobiles and industry.

A previous study in 2020 measured PM 2.5 concentrations in the center of the capital and found a daily average of 19 μg/m3 over the period, This is also beyond the limits imposed by global entities.

The results of the UNC study show that the manufacturing area exceeds the limit, Places with high population and car densities.

According to a 2018 report by the World Health Organization (WHO), nine out of 10 people in the world breathe air with high levels of pollutants, meaning millions of people die from related causes.

Córdoba to have nine fixed air quality monitoring stations

In line with a number of environmental protection policies and the promotion of healthy cities, The Municipality of Córdoba purchased nine of its own continuous air quality measurement stations through the Respira Córdoba project. It will be installed at fixed points in cities such as the central area, and put into operation after configuration.

“Respira Córdoba” is an initiative of Mayor Martín Llaryora, supported by the European Union (EU) and the Office of the Mayor of Córdoba (Spain). It is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Planning, Modernization and International Relations, and the Municipal Department of Environmental Management and Sustainable Development.

Costing $4,695,768, the new monitoring station features state-of-the-art equipment that collects extensive data on temperature, humidity, and PM10, 4.0, 2.5 and 1.0 particulate levels.

These suspended components are classified from large to small and affect people’s health to varying degrees. PM10 is mainly dust, pollen and mold, which often cause allergic reactions, bronchitis and asthma attacks. PM2.5 and PM0.1 are smaller and pose a greater risk to respiratory health.

Jorge Folloni, Minister of Environmental Management and Sustainable Development, stated: “It will allow us to map and measure air quality levels to protect the health of our neighbors, which is also the development of Córdoba’s technologists”.

“This information is critical to identifying sources of contamination, design public health policy and expand atmospheric visibility”, the official added.

The appliances are made by a local spa company, It brings together professionals from the National University of Córdoba and the National Technical University.

According to information from UNCiencia