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State of the Environment in Riga 2001
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Air quality

 What is the general situation with the air quality?

 EMMISIONS FROM MOBILE SOURCES
 

The largest mobile source of pollution in the City of Riga is motorised vehicles. The number of vehicles has been growing by 10-12% per year. Most emissions from mobile sources come in the form of nitrogen oxides (NO, NO2, N2O5), carbon monoxide (CO) and volatile organic compounds (VOC). In 2001, about 63-67% of the total NOx and 61-65% of the CO emissions were caused by mobile sources (data provided by the Air Protection Division of the Department of Environment). Pollution with nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons in sunny days increases troposphere ozone (O3) concentrations which together with unfavourable weather conditions, creates smog that dramatically affects human health and vegetation.

Air pollution with benzene is another serious problem in Riga.

 

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 EMMISIONS FROM STATIONARY SOURCES     

Emissions from stationary sources, mostly sulphur dioxide (SO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) form when different kinds of fuel is burned in the city's co-generation stations and boiler plants, as well as in private homes, industrial enterprises and  other heating facilities. However, recently, emissions from stationary sources in the city have diminished due to closing down of many industrial enterprises. Remarkable reducing of SO2 emissions during last years in Riga is caused by changing from fuels with high sulphur content (coal, heating oil) to clean environmentally friendly fuel - natural gas.

Nevertheless, not all polluting substances follow the tendency of decline.

 

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National air quality limit values

   

 

   

This page was last updated: 2004.09.30.