Air quality in Imatra and Lappeenranta in 2020

In 2020, the air quality was weakened by the street dust period every spring, as well as the process disturbances that occurred in the industrial plants of the area. According to the air quality index, the air quality in 2020 was good at all measurement stations for at least 90% of the measurement time. Corona-era restrictions reduced traffic and improved air quality. 

In general, the concentrations in the air were below the guideline values ​​and lower than in previous years. However, due to the abundant wood processing industry in the South Karelia region, elevated concentrations of odorous sulfur compounds and sulfur dioxide were measured in the region. Odorous sulfur compounds are characterized by a strong smell even in very low concentrations. 

The highest concentrations of respirable particles were measured in March and December during the street dust periods. However, intensified street cleaning efforts reduced concentrations in the air. 

In November 2020, the data collection program for air quality measurements was renewed and switched to the EnvistaArm data management system, which functions as a cloud service. With the new software, the air quality data of the South Karelia measurement network has been monitored ekilmanlaatu.net – from the site. 

Air quality website maintained by the Finnish Meteorological Institute Air quality - Institute of Meteorology also still functions as a national air quality website. Air quality information is updated automatically on the websites. In addition, the air quality index bulletin is published in Uutisvuos on Tuesdays and Sundays.

As a new feature, the application Imatra-Lpr-Air can be downloaded to mobile phones, through which it is possible monitor South Karelia's air quality almost in real time.

A written annual summary of the measurement results is prepared each year, which can be read at Reports | Imatra

For more information:

environmental protection designer Riikka Litmanen, riika.litmanenimatra.fi (riikka[dot]litmanen[at]imatra[dot]fi)