700 citizen scientists in city
The results from a citizen scientist project will be used by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help model air quality in Cork city.
The Clean Air Together Citizen Science Project worked with more than 700 citizen scientists in Cork city to measure air pollution from traffic in their local areas.
The results show that higher nitrogen dioxide levels are linked with higher traffic volumes. Those behind the project said while none of the results indicate a breach of the current EU air quality limit (40 µg/m3), there is no safe level of air pollution.
In October 2022, more than 700 citizen scientists measured levels of the harmful air pollutant, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in Cork city as part of the project. A public event was hosted in Cork City Hall recently to present the results of the study to them.
The project was led by the EPA and An Taisce’s Environmental Education Unit, who worked with Cork City Council to deliver this large-scale project. The information gathered will now be used by the EPA to assist with air quality modelling and forecasting, and by Cork City Council to support the implementation of the Council’s 2021-2026 Air Quality Strategy.
Commenting on the project, Andy Fanning, EPA Programme Manager, said: “Clean Air Together Cork is a great success story, with over 700 citizen scientists in the city measuring the levels of traffic pollution in their local areas. While the EPA already has fixed monitoring sites in the city, this project has given us data about many areas that we are currently unable to monitor. We simply couldn’t have completed this project without Cork city’s citizen scientists, and it is wonderful to see the commitment of the people of Cork city to their local environment.”
Nitrogen dioxide levels across Cork city were generally low and none of the results found levels above the EU annual average limit (40 µg/m3). Some higher levels were found near busy roads and in the city centre, which is expected as NO2 comes mainly from traffic.
Sabrina Moore, Clean Air Together project manager from An Taisce’s Environmental Education Unit, said: “The interest in this project shows people’s growing awareness of the importance of good air quality in their city, and a genuine interest in helping to protect their environment. We can all make a difference, in our everyday lives, to ensure that air quality is healthier across the city.
“Where possible we should try to limit our personal car use by using public transport more often, or by walking or cycling. Continued investments in these infrastructures will make sustainable choices easier.”