Fine particles are deteriorating air quality in the Helsinki metropolitan area
Air quality has deteriorated in the Helsinki metropolitan area and elsewhere in Uusimaa. According to HSY’s measurements, air quality has been fair yesterday and today due to fine particles. Fine particles from Eastern and Central Europe are being transported to Finland in higher concentrations than usual. The situation is expected to continue for the next few days.
Fine particle concentrations are exceptionally high
Currently, there are high concentrations of fine particles in the air in the Helsinki metropolitan area. They are being transported to Finland from Eastern and Central Europe. According to measurements by the Helsinki Region Environmental Services Authority (HSY), air quality has been fair yesterday and today due to fine particles in the metropolitan area and other parts of Uusimaa.
- Currently, there are more than five times the average amount of fine particles in the air in the metropolitan area. Long-range transport of fine particles has not caused such high concentrations in the past ten years. Significantly higher concentrations were often measured during the first decade of the 2000s, particularly due to long-range transport of smoke from wildfires, says Jarkko Niemi, HSY’s air protection specialist.
According to the Finnish Meteorological Institute, the deteriorated air quality situation is expected to continue in the coming days and possibly until the end of the week. However, fine particle concentrations in the metropolitan area and other parts of Finland are significantly lower than in the more polluted areas of Europe. Fine particles are transported to Finland in relatively high concentrations from Eastern and Central Europe under unfavorable weather conditions. Typical sources of fine particle emissions include energy production, traffic, industry, and the burning of wood and coal in fireplaces.
Poor air quality can cause health problems for sensitive individuals
During long-range transport events, people are exposed to higher fine particle concentrations than usual over large areas. Fine particles can cause health problems, especially for sensitive individuals, such as those with respiratory and heart diseases, as well as young children. Fine particles can worsen symptoms in people with respiratory and heart diseases. Even healthy adults may experience irritation of the nose, throat, and eyes.
Exposure to fine particles can be reduced
Exposure to long-range transported fine particles and related health problems can be reduced as follows:
- Avoid strenuous physical activity outdoors.
- Consider moving indoors if you experience irritation.
- Avoid ventilating your home.
- Monitor air quality in real-time on our website.
More information:
- Current air quality in the Helsinki metropolitan area: Air quality - HSY
- Air quality elsewhere in Uusimaa: Air quality Uusimaa - HSY
- Information on the health effects of fine particles: Health effects of air pollutants - HSY
- Information on long-range transport of fine particles: Long-range transport reduces air quality | HSY