Air pollution - State and impacts (Czech Republic)

PM₁₀
As in the previous years, the most affected areas in 2008 are the Ostrava-Karviná area and the several cities and towns (see Fig.). The safe threshold concentration of PM₁₀ has not been found yet (see Fig. for PM₁₀ concentration trends). SZÚ (2008) used conclusions of a US study (Pope et al., 2002), modified by WHO (2006), of health risk assessment (see Fig.). Consequently, it was estimated that the total mortality in CZ increased from 0.8 % in urban areas without traffic to 8.6 % in 2008 in heavy industrial and traffic areas (with the average of 2 % for the whole CZ), as a result of long-term exposure to PM₁₀. Additional information concerning PM available on CHMI web page.

Surface ozone
In 2008, ozone was measured at 70 localities out of which 38 (54.3%) exceeded the target value for the period 2006–2008 (the Government Order No. 597/2006 Coll. requires the assessment of ozone concentrations in relation to human health protection as an average for the latest three years). The relative number of stations with exceedances slightly decreased in comparison to the previous period (see Fig.). As in the previous years, the target value was exceeded in most of CZ (see Fig.). The AOT40, the target value for the protection of vegetation, was exceeded in most localities in 2008 similarly to previous years (see Fig.). Additional information concerning ozone available on CHMI web pages: here and here.

Benzo(a)pyrene
As in the previous years the highest annual average concentration was measured, in Ostrava (industrial region). High concentrations were also measured in cities where the traffic is the main source of PAH (see Fig.).

However, it is necessary to assume that high concentrations occur also in small towns and villages where the local heating is the main source of PAH. Unfortunately, monitoring in these areas is inadequate but case studies (Kotlík et al., 2005 and 2006) show that larger territories and more inhabitants are exposed to concentrations exceeding the target value (see Fig.). Additional information concerning benzo(a)pyrene available on CHMI web page.

Additional information concerning air quality: http://issar.cenia.cz/issar/page.php?id=1531 (CZ version).