Street dust season has begun in the Helsinki metropolitan area

HSY monitors air quality and street dust conditions in different parts of the metropolitan area. During this and last week, traffic has lifted street dust into the air from dry streets and roads, deteriorating air quality.

“According to our measurements, street dust is currently present in the air in the metropolitan area. Air quality has at times been poor this and last week, especially near busy main roads and streets. Air quality has varied considerably depending on weather conditions,” says HSY's air quality expert Nelli Kaski.

Dust levels in the coming days and weeks will also vary depending on the weather. Street dust levels are particularly high on sunny and dry days. Rain, on the other hand, moistens road surfaces and reduces dust.

“Sunny weather has been forecast for the weekend, so street dust levels may be high then,” says Kaski.

Street dust mainly consists of finely ground asphalt and sanding gravel. Studded tyres in particular wear down asphalt and thus generate street dust.

“The dustiest areas are those with a lot of traffic. However, outdoor activities do not need to be avoided due to street dust. The air is cleaner just one block away from a busy street,” Kaski says.

Street dust can cause symptoms especially in young children, older people, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases. Typical symptoms include runny nose and coughing, itching of the eyes and throat, and shortness of breath, particularly among people with respiratory or heart conditions. Street dust can also cause irritation symptoms in healthy adults.

Parties responsible for maintaining streets and roads combat street dust while taking weather conditions into account. Spring street cleaning removes street dust from road surfaces. Dusting is also reduced by sprinkling streets and road verges with a diluted salt solution during the worst dust days.

Kaski provides ten tips on how to relieve symptoms caused by street dust and reduce the formation of street dust:

1. Spend time outdoors further away from busy streets. The air is cleaner just one block away from heavy traffic. A good respirator such as an FFP2 mask may help some people, but it is not suitable for everyone.
   
   
2. Spend time in parks, forests, or by the sea. Air quality is usually better in such locations. Avoid heavy physical exertion especially in high-traffic areas.
   
   
3. Consider moving indoors if you experience strong irritation symptoms.
   
   
4. Avoid ventilating your home through windows, especially during rush hours, if you live in a high-traffic area. Ensure that window and door seals are in good condition.
   
   
5. Replace supply air filters in your home in spring and autumn. High-quality filters effectively reduce the amount of street dust entering indoors.
   
   
6. Avoid unnecessary driving, as it stirs up street dust. Prefer walking, cycling, and public transport.
   
   
7. Use non-studded winter tyres. They produce less dust than studded tyres.
   
   
8. Remember to follow vehicle relocation signs. Street cleaning is significantly delayed if wrongly parked vehicles must be moved.
   
   
9. Remove sanding gravel while it is wet. The use of leaf blowers to remove sanding gravel is prohibited in the metropolitan area and in many other cities.
   
   
10. Monitor air quality at hsy.fi/airquality.

HSY measures street dust concentrations in various parts of the metropolitan area. Street dust levels can be monitored in real time at hsy.fi/streetdust.

More information:

• current air quality situation: hsy.fi/airquality
• air quality in the rest of Uusimaa: Air quality Uusimaa - HSY
• information on street dust and its concentrations: hsy.fi/streetdust
• article: Street dust reduces air quality
• relieving symptoms: Help for street dust symptoms – brochure (pdf)