The Alps, and consequently alpine air, are exposed to meteorological phenomena, chemical reactions occurring in the atmosphere and anthropogenic activities. Wood-fired central heating, traffic and agriculture are the main causes of this pollution, depending on the location and the time of year.
The Alpine Convention has therefore devoted its eighth report to air quality in the Alps. This involved collecting precise data, exploring the pollution mechanisms and their effects on health and nature, compiling and presenting the latest results of research into the state of the atmosphere in the Alps and identifying good practices, with the aim of putting forward practical and effective recommendations for improving air quality.
The contribution of the National Institute for Industrial Environment and Risks involved focusing on analysing the data from air quality measurements in the alpine region. It consisted in compiling data coming from different measurement networks, then in:
- studying the geographical distribution of measurement stations operational in alpine regions;
- evaluating the concentrations with regard to the European threshold values and WHO guide values;
- analysing trends over the 2009-2018 period.
• Read the report: https://issuu.com/alpconv/docs/rsa_8_fr_web
• The maps contained in the report: https://www.atlas.alpconv.org/
The Alpine Convention is an international treaty signed between the eight alpine countries and the EU. It brings together a network of politicians, scientists and civil organisations across the whole of the Alps.
