Protecting air quality is critical to public and environmental health.   Air pollution causes lung disease and decreases lung function in children.   It also worsens and increases the risk of dying from heart and lung disease and is associated with cancer.   Air pollution also affects the environment by harming soil, water, crops, forests, wildlife and visibility.   The main sources of air pollution in Ireland are motor vehicles, industry emissions and smog.    Most planning authorities require ambient air monitoring to take place before construction commences.  

EURO Environmental services can monitor for the following:  

Ozone  

The atmosphere is made up from Ozone as it protects us from the harmful rays of the sun.    Ozone exists in the upper atmosphere ozone layer as well as at the earth's surface.   Ozone at the earth's surface causes numerous adverse human health effects and is a criteria air pollutant.   It is a major component of smog.   Exposure to Ozone can cause harmful effects on human health especially on the respiratory system which includes bronchitis, asthma and emphysema.    EURO environmental services can carry out this ambient air parameter.

Nitrogen Dioxide and Nitrogen Oxides  

NO2 is a reddish brown gas with a bad odour .   It transforms in the air to form a gaseous nitric acid and toxic organic nitrates.   It is also a major component of smog.   All combustion in air products oxides of nitrogen.     It is also a precursor to nitrates, which contribute to increased respirable particle levels in the atmosphere.   The main sources of NO2 come from human activity which are fumes from transportation vehicles and other sources come from power generation, primary metal and incineration.   Again Nitrogen dioxides can cause human health problems in particular the respiratory tract such as the lungs and throat.   NO2 is very common parameter measured by most local Authorities and government bodies, in towns and cities across the country.

Sulphur dioxide  

SO₂ is a colourless gas and smells like burnt matches.   It comes from the burning of coal and oil to produce electricity and to heat homes and industries throughout the world.     It can be oxidized to sulphur trioxide, which in the presence of water vapour is readily transformed to sulphuric acid mist.   SO₂ can be oxidized to form acid aerosols.   SO₂ is a precursor to sulphates, which are one of the main components of respirable particles in the atmosphere.   The effect it has on human health is adverse and it attacks the respiratory system including the lungs and throat.    Monitoring of this parameter is also frequent amongst local authorities.

For further details Ozone, NOx & SOx Monitoring please contact the Sales Team on 041 9845440 ext 1 or email info@euroenv.ie