Air pollution - Why care? (Slovenia)

In Slovenia the issue of air pollution is largely linked to particles (PM₁₀) and, in the summer, to ozone. In addition, in the degraded area of the Mežica Valley heightened concentrations of lead occasionally occur. Measurements of PM₁₀ indicate an occasional exceedance of limit values across the whole of Slovenia, and especially in the inner areas, where long-lasting temperature inversions occur in winter. Analysis of PM₁₀ sources indicates that the cause of this pollution is largely road transport, especially in urban centres with heavy traffic – the Ljubljana Basin – and in poorly ventilated basins, emissions from heating appliances and industrial sources – Zasavje and Celje basins. A major contribution to the ozone pollution, which is more pronounced in the coastal Primorska region, comes long-distance from the Po Valley in Italy.

In addition to the negative impact that polluted air has on human health, damage to ecosystems, especially around the Šoštanj and Trbovlje thermal power facilities has been noted. Epiphytic lichen cover indicates better preservation of forests at higher altitudes. Biomonitoring of mosses points to a slightly higher value of metals and nitrogen in the areas around the bigger towns and cities as well as industrial and thermal energy plants. Increased values in western Slovenia can be ascribed to long-distance transportation, and in the northeast of the country mainly to traffic and agriculture. The consequences of higher concentrations of ozone, AOT40, can be seen largely in reduced crop yields, reduced growth of perennials and production of seeds from annuals, and in poorer growth of forest trees.

The aim is for Slovenia to improve the quality of ambient air in future by seeking more effective solutions, especially in the transport sector, and by devoting greater attention to education, notification and awareness-raising.