Orihuela Amongst Worst Polluted Cities

Orihuela is amongst one of the most polluted cities in Spain, according to a report presented by the local socialist group from the findings of environmental group, Ecologists in Action.

Orihuela far exceeds the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) on the quantities of suspended particles from gases, combustion of fuels (mainly diesel vehicles) or badly burned materials; whose health effects are highly damaging.

The report warns about the high concentration of toxic particles such as organic compounds or heavy metals, known as PM 2.5, which penetrate the respiratory tract and are deposited in the lungs, capable of reaching the bloodstream, primarily affecting children, the elderly or people with respiratory and heart diseases, according to the socialists.

The report places the municipality of Orihuela higher than other municipalities such as Torrevieja, Benidorm, Elche and Alicante.

The Socialists also say that the study shows that Orihuela also far exceeds levels of tropospheric ozone (O3) recommended by the WHO, a powerful oxidizing agent at high concentrations is related to lung inflammation and respiratory symptoms , which should exceed the limit to a maximum of 25 days per year, while Orihuela the above a Total 83.

The study, which measures the air quality in the country, also reveals that high levels of ozone damage vegetation, agricultural crops and natural ecosystems.

The socialists have asked the Councillor for the Environment to make it a priority to “develop the Action Plan for Sustainable Energy approved in the previous mandate to invest in reducing pollution in the municipality” and requested the launch new measures to promote sustainable mobility, and help to reduce levels of air pollution.