Air quality in Radom

What is the current level of air pollution in Radom?

Radom is a city in east-central Poland, 100 kilometres south of the capital, Warsaw. It is located on the banks of the Mleczna River in the Masovian Voivodeship. The figures from a census conducted in 2020, revealed the estimated population to be approximately 210,000 people.

Towards the end of 2021, Radom was experiencing a period of “Moderate” air quality with a US AQI reading of 55. This reading is often used as a reference point when comparing air quality in other cities around the world. Data is collected with regards to the six most prolific air pollutants commonly found and this figure is calculated from there. If information is not available for all six, then a figure can be deduced using the information that is available. In the case of Radom, there were three pollutants recorded which were, PM2.5 - 14 µg/m³, PM10 - 17 µg/m³ and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) - 7 µg/m³.

This level of PM2.5 can be seen to be almost one and a half times higher than the suggested level of 10 µg/m³. This level has been determined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as being an acceptable level of air pollution, although no level is to be considered as being safe.

When air pollution is classed as being “Moderate”, the given advice would be to remain indoors as much as possible and close all doors and windows to prevent the ingress of more polluted air. Those who are more susceptible to poor quality air should try to avoid venturing outside until the quality improves. If this is unavoidable then a good quality mask should be worn at all times. There is a mobile app available from AirVisual.com for most operating systems. This free app informs you of the state of the air in real-time and thus will help you decide what to do or where to go.

Does the level of air pollution vary much throughout the year in Radom?

According to figures published by IQAir.com for 2020, it can be seen that the month with the best air quality was July when the recorded figure was within the target set by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The actual figure was 9.6 µg/m³, the target figure being 10 µg/m³ or less. The following month of August saw “Good” quality air with a recording of 11.2 µg/m³. For the remaining ten months of the year, the air quality was classed as being “Moderate” with figures between 12.1 and 35.4 µg/m³. The best month was June with a 12.1 µg/m³ reading, the worst was January when the level was recorded as being 33.0 µg/m³.

Historically, records for air pollution were first kept in 2017 when a level of 25.9 µg/m³ was noted. The following year saw a decline with a reading of 27.1 µg/m³. In 2019 the level recorded was 18.7 µg/m³, but then another decline in 2020 when the level sank to 19.5 µg/m³. In 2020, the recorded figure was surprising because of the measures put in place to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Many motorists were no longer required to commute to their offices each day which reduced air pollution in the city centres dramatically. There were also some factories and similar production units which were told to close on a temporary basis. Many cities throughout the world noted how much cleaner their city air was because of these measures.

Is there a main source of air pollution in Radom?

The most serious source of air pollution in Poland is the combustion of solid fuels in domestic heating systems. Other reasons include industrial energy, transport and agriculture. The main cause of air pollution related to domestic heating installations - including solid fuel stoves, which are responsible for approximately 87 per cent of all combustion processes (according to CIEP) - are lower quality fuels, outdated heating devices and their improper operation.

Smog is caused by the emission of mainly exhaust fumes and dust into the atmosphere by cars and industrial plants. It usually forms over large metropolises. Smog can lead to local acid rainfall. The effects of smog are usually the destruction of facades of buildings, monuments, etc., worse well-being, a lower level of health of the inhabitants, allergies and asthma.

What can be done to improve air quality in Radom?

In recent years, more than 1,100 coal-fired furnaces have already been decommissioned. They are most often replaced with gas boilers.

According to the City Council in Radom, in 113 apartments, coal stoves will be decommissioned this year and replaced with ecological heat sources. All those who have submitted applications that meet the formal requirements this year will receive funding from the city budget.

What are the detrimental effects to human health through polluted air?

The human body does not tolerate smog well. We are particularly exposed to dust from the so-called low emissions, i.e., PM2.5 and PM10. They penetrate directly into our respiratory system, causing significant damage there. Smog itself can affect sleep disorders. Apart from the aspect such as the increased risk of cancer, being in an unfavourable environment can cause long-term damage to the body. It's worth noting that the body takes time to get rid of the toxins it has absorbed.

In the case of man, we can link many diseases caused by being in a contaminated area. Allergies will be the most noticeable, mainly caused by dust, but asthma will also be felt. The human body is particularly sensitive to fine pollen that penetrates the respiratory system.

There are also diseases, the causes of which are not, at first glance, smog. It can be depression, stroke, infertility and even obesity. The more obvious maybe eye disease, high blood pressure, and heart attack. Smog can also affect concentration disorders.

People who are most likely to suffer serious health problems from air pollution are:

• People with heart or lung disease
• People with breathing problems such as asthma or emphysema
• Pregnant women
• People working outdoors
• Children under the age of 14, whose lungs are still developing
• Elderly residents whose immune systems are weaker