CLEAN AIR IN PORTUGAL
The European Environment Agency (EEA) conducted an in-depth analysis of air quality in European cities. Over 340 cities were ranked from the cleanest to the most polluted based on average levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) over a time frame of two calendar years.
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The analysis of air quality selects cities according to the World Health Organization (WHO) health-based guidelines on recommended levels of classical air pollutants, especially exposure to fine particulate matter, which is the main factor for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
Now you may be wondering what PM 2.5 is, and how it is relevant to your wellbeing?
The PM 2.5 is a reference applied to the particles released into the air when it results from a chemical reaction, a particle that is fewer than 2.5 micrometres and can cause future health risks when exposed.
This improvement to our overall air quality is without a doubt due to the worldwide confinement and halt to all industry facets of production, and transport due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, with this immediate and dramatic reduction in our environmental impacts, collectively, air quality worldwide has drastically improved.
This prompted EEA to launch a City Air Quality Viewer that shows the data collected from 2020 to 2021 in European cities; featuring Umea in Sweden in the top position with a fine particulate matter of PM 3.1, and ranked for 2nd place and 3rd two cities in Portugal selected for best air quality, containing less air pollution.
The southern capital city of the Algarve region, Faro ranked in 2nd place for best air quality, with a fine particulate matter reading of PM 3.6, and Funchal in the autonomous region of Madeira, reading of fine particulate matter at PM 3.9.
According to UK Based company, HouseFresh air quality expert research on the World´s Best and Worst Cities and Towns for Clean Air for 2020 World Air World Air Quality Report, Portugal´s town of Alcoutim in the Algarve is ranked 3rd place as Best Air Quality with a reading of PM 2.7!
It is no wonder that many chose Portugal as their holiday destination, not only for its advantageous warm climate, Atlantic coastline filled with numerous blue-flagged beaches, scenic mountainous terrain, healthy culinary but also recognized time and time again for its safety, low crime rate and much lower cost of living than other neighbouring European countries.
Learn more about the serenity and nature of the Algarve coast, here.
Visit the wondrous autonomous regions of Madeira, here.
Source: Portugal News
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