The smog emergency in Italian cities is an increasingly pressing problem. According to the new report by the environmental association Legambiente "Mal'aria di città. Cambio di passo cercasi” (City bad air. Change of pace wanted) as part of the Clean Cities Campaign, air pollution levels in many cities are still too high and far from the strictest regulatory limits set for 2030. The report highlighted the 2022 data in provincial capitals, both with regard to the levels of fine dust (PM10, PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). In summary, 29 cities of the 95 monitored have exceeded the current regulatory limits for PM10 overruns (35 days a year with a daily average of more than 50 micrograms/cubic meter): the Turin (Grassi) control units are in first place with 98 days of overrun, followed by Milan (Senate) with 84, Asti (Baussano) 79, Modena (Giardini) 75, Padua (Arcella) and Venice (Tagliamento) with 70. These cities have effectively doubled the number of overruns allowed. Also, for PM10, the analysis of the annual averages showed that none of them exceeded the limit provided for by current legislation, but this is not sufficient to guarantee the health of citizens, in view of the recommendations of the World Health Organization and the limits provided for by the new European air quality directive, which will come into force from January 1, 2030. For PM10, only 23 out of 95 cities (24% of the total) did not exceed the threshold of 20 µg/m3. Seventy-two cities would be outlawed.
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