Expert studies atmosphere contaminated mainly with Nitrogen Dioxide

By Raed El Rafei
Special to The Daily Star
Friday, July 22, 2005

Beirut pollution at alarming levels

BEIRUT: Air pollution has reached alarming levels in Beirut, according to the preliminary conclusions of a group of scientific experts from the University of Saint Joseph, revealed Thursday during a conference at the Municipality of Beirut. After four months of monitoring the levels of various pollutants in the air, the team, led by Professor Toufic Rizk, revealed the major substance contaminating the atmosphere is Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2).

"In some areas and at certain times, this pollutant reaches peaks that exceed by 110 percent the acceptable limits set by the World Health Organization," assured Rizk.

The main problem with NO2 is that, upon interaction with the sun's rays, it generates particles in the atmosphere that can lead to serious respiratory diseases, according to Dr. Tammam Naccache, an expert on transportation issues. This pollutant also leads to the creation of acid rain which harms the environment.

Insisting toxic emissions from vehicles are the major reason for pollution; Rizk explained "many cars, trucks and motorbikes have been circulating for a long time in the capital without being subject to regular maintenance."

He added: "Power generators and waste incineration cause pollution to a much lesser extent than one imagines."

Final conclusions, however, cannot be drawn until at least a year of analysis has been carried out as this is the time needed for the team to arrive at a reliable and scientific assessment of air pollution in the capital, according to Rizk.

"Monitoring the levels of pollutants is a process which requires continuous attention as it is affected by changes in humidity, temperature and topographical factors," he said.

In the first phases of the study, the team has installed monitoring equipment for several air pollutants in twenty four spots around the capital, in addition to a central assessment point in the Pine Horsh of Beirut.

In order to identify the best locations for carrying out these measures, Geographical Information System technology and digital satellite images were used.

The project, which will continue for three years, was initiated by the municipality of Beirut.

"It is the first time in the Arab region, a study of this scientific importance has been performed," said Abdel-Menem Ariss, mayor of Beirut.

Ariss insisted the project would also include awareness raising campaigns on the dangers of pollution and the excessive reliance on private means of transportation.

"We hope the results revealed by the study will push responsible parties to carry out measures to improve the quality of air in Beirut," he added.

On the other hand, the mayor complained of people stealing or damaging monitoring boxes and urged the protection of such equipment.

As a main supporter of the project, the French region of Ile de France has offered all the required monitoring equipment for the relatively small sum of 220,000 euros.

Jean-Noel Balleo, representative of the French Ambassador Bernard Emie, explained the project is part of a longstanding collaboration between the municipality of Beirut and French provinces.

"To improve the quality of life in Beirut, we have been carrying out several actions related to the environment such as the rehabilitation of Beirut's pine forest," said Balleo.

Stressing the aim of the French assistance on this issue is to promote local governance and decentralization, he added: "Lebanon is one of the world's top three beneficiaries of funds coming from French provinces." -dailystar

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