From toxic emissions to health effects: Krakow Project finalised

At a workshop co-organised with local authorities and the Voivodship Inspectorate for Environmental Protection in Krakow, JRC-IES presented the results of its integrated emissions, air quality and health impacts case study in Krakow, Poland. The Krakow Project was launched two years ago by the IES Transport and Air Quality Unit in support to the EU Thematic Strategy on Air Pollution and involved four Units from three different JRC Institutes as well as scientific institutions from all over Europe and the USA. The goal of this JRC enlargement and integration project was to apply an integrated methodology for the design of adequate emission abatement strategies to tackle the problems of toxic emissions, the resulting air quality and their impacts on human health.

Some of the main findings of the project can be summarized as follows: During the winter period (heating season) Krakow presents very high levels of Particulate Matter (PM) both in terms of daily exceedences and yearly average, being domestic heating (common use of coal stoves) the major reason for the high Particulate Matter concentrations. The results indicate that as many as 90% of the total Particulate Matter has a diameter smaller than 1 micron (PM 1.0). These fine particles can penetrate more deeply into the lungs and thus may be more harmful and dangerous for the health. The chemical composition of this Particulate Matter shows a high level of certain toxic organic compounds in the air, e.g. Benzo(a)Pyrene. The good news is that the levels of heavy metals in Krakow such as Pb, As, Cd, Ni do not exceed the EU thresholds.

The epidemiological research, performed by the Jagiellonian University in collaboration with the JRC, showed a clear correlation between the high level of emissions and an increase in respiratory troubles (chronic cough, child asthma and associated cardio-vascular problems). In particular, inhabitants who live in apartments heated with coal stoves, e.g. in the old districts of the town, are more exposed to the harmful effects of air pollution. The results of the source apportionment study indicate clearly that emission abatement strategies should take into account coal heating as the main source of Particulate Matter, a fact which is being reflected in local environmental policies that aim to increase subsidies for the replacement of coal stoves with more eco-efficient alternatives for heating.

The results of the study co-ordinated by JRC-IES will help to improve the quality of life of the citizens of Krakow and to protect its unique Historic Centre, being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site already since 1978.

For more information please consult the Krakow Project Description and the Presentation of preliminary results. 

European Commission - Joint Research Centre