Air Pollution in Asturias: An Overview and Analysis

Asturias, a province in the north of Spain, is known for its natural beauty and rich industrial heritage. While its air quality is generally favorable compared to major urban centers, certain regions experience differing degrees of pollution. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of air pollution in Asturias, focusing on the levels and causes, and how residents can stay informed.

Overall Air Quality in Asturias

Asturias benefits from a cleaner air environment compared to many large cities around the world. However, it is important to understand that the province, like any area, has specific zones where air quality can be affected more significantly.

Key Areas and Pollution Levels

The main areas with relatively higher levels of pollution are Uviéu, Xixón, and Avilés. These regions, which form a triangle, are home to significant industrial installations that can contribute to local air quality issues. In contrast, other parts of the province, including Llangréu and Sieru, typically exhibit lower pollution levels, often low or very low.

Specific Pollution Levels

According to official data and the asturAire application, air pollution in Asturias is generally low to very low across the province. Here are the most notable points:

Uviéu Xixón and Avilés: Occasionally see medium levels of pollution, but these are rare occurrences. PM10 and PM2.5 levels are sometimes above the ideal range but do not reach the alarming levels seen in cities like Madrid or Barcelona. Llangréu and Sieru: These areas usually experience low or very low levels of air pollutants. PM10 and PM2.5 readings are seldom above the healthy thresholds. The Rest of the Province: Generally, the rest of Asturias maintains very low levels of pollution. High pollution levels are only observed if there is a wildfire in the area.

Industrial Impact

Despite the generally favorable air quality, there are still some highly polluting factories in the region. These are predominantly located in the central area of the province, within the Uviéu-Xixón-Avilés triangle. The presence of these factories can contribute to localized pollution, but the overall impact on the province is minimal.

Monitoring and Regulatory Measures

To keep a close watch on air quality, residents can access real-time data from the asturAire application. This application offers information from multiple monitoring stations and measures various parameters, including:

PM10 PM2.5 NO2 O3 SO2 C6H6 CO

The application color-codes the data: turquoise for very good or good, yellow for average, and red for bad. It's worth noting that black indicates no data.

Current PM10 Levels

As of the latest data, PM10 levels in Asturias are generally in the green and turquoise ranges, indicating good air quality. The specific PM10 levels for the most recent readings can be viewed in the official application, which provides up-to-date and reliable information.

Conclusion

While Asturias does not suffer from the severe air pollution often seen in major cities, certain industrial areas still pose a risk. By leveraging tools like the asturAire application, residents can stay informed and take necessary precautions to maintain their health and well-being.

For more detailed updates and real-time data, residents and visitors can rely on the asturAire application, ensuring that they remain well-informed about the air quality in Asturias.