Air quality was good 90 percent of the time at all measurement locations last year

In 2018, the air quality of South Karelia was weakened by the street dust period every spring, as well as the process disturbances that occurred in the industrial plants of the region, causing the air quality to deteriorate in the surrounding areas. According to the air quality index, the air quality in 2018 was good for 90 percent of the measurement time at all measurement locations.

In 2018, the daily guideline value for odorous sulfur compounds (TRS) was exceeded in Lappeenranta at the Tirilä measuring point and at the Svetogorsk measuring point. High hourly concentrations were occasionally measured at other measuring points as well.

Sulfur dioxide concentrations (SO2) were below the guideline values. The highest concentrations were measured in Imatra at the measurement points in Rautionkylä and Pelkola. In general, the concentrations of sulfur dioxide increased during malfunctions in the pulp industry and due to long-range drift during southerly winds.

The concentrations of nitrogen oxides (NO and NO2) were the highest in Lappeenranta at the measuring points in the center of Lappeenranta and Ihalainen, and in Imatra at the measuring point in Mansikkala. The concentration level at the measuring points was generally increased by busy traffic.

Inhalable particles are the most in downtown areas

From the beginning of 2018, particle measurements were switched to using coefficients tested by the Meteorological Reference Laboratory to ensure the correctness and comparability of the results. All air quality measurement networks and cities in Finland switched to the use of coefficients. The size of the coefficients depends on the brand of the equipment used in the measurements and the measurement method, so the effect of the coefficients on the concentrations varies depending on the measurement station.

Concentrations of respirable particles (PM10) are highest in city center areas. In the area of ​​the entire measurement network, the highest PM10 concentrations were measured at the Ihalainen measurement points in Lappeenranta and Mansikkala in Imatra, where the government's daily guideline value (70 µg/m³) was also exceeded. At all measurement points, the highest concentrations of respirable particles (PM10) were measured in spring during the street dust season.

Measurements of small particles (PM2,5) were made at Imatra in Teppanala and Lappeenranta at Tirilä and Pulpi measurement points. The WHO daily guideline value of 25 µg/m3 was exceeded in 2018 at Pulpi's measurement point. The annual limit value given by the Finnish Government in its decree (38/2011) (25µg/m³) was not exceeded.

The average sulfur deposition in rainwater in the South Karelia region has decreased over the past two decades. However, the target level of 300 mg/m²/a given by the Government was still exceeded in 2018 by two measurement points out of six. The pH, calcium and phosphorus levels of the sediment were also generally higher than the background level.

Summary completed, follow daily online

In accordance with separate agreements, the Imatra regional environmental department is responsible for monitoring the air quality in the cities of Imatra, Lappeenranta and Svetogorsk. A written report of the measurement results is prepared annually annual summary, which can be read at

The air quality situation is reported using the air quality index, which divides the air quality into five categories. The daily air quality situation can be checked online from the air quality website maintained by the Finnish Meteorological Institute (www.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi/ilmanlaatu) , where it is automatically updated every hour. In addition to the Internet, last week's air quality situation is presented in Uutisvuos on Tuesdays and Sundays.

Annual report 2018

Additional information:

environmental protection designer Minna Ahlqvist, tel. 0206174319, minna.ahlqvistimatra.fi ja

environmental protection designer Riikka Litmanen, tel. 0206174301, riika.litmanenimatra.fi