2024-02-20 18:36:23
In the northern Italian region of Lombardy, the restrictions introduced yesterday by the Italian authorities because of the smog came into force, DPA reported.
The restrictions include a partial ban on diesel cars and a total ban on outdoor fires, as well as a ban on the use of certain wood-burning stoves, local media reported. The measures are in force in Milan and eight other provinces in the Lombardy region.
High levels of fine particulate matter have been causing problems in densely populated areas in northern Italy for some time. On Sunday, the air in Milan was at times the third most polluted in the world in a ranking by the private Swiss environmental company IQAir. Only the air in Bangladesh’s capital, Dhaka, and that of Chengdu, China, were more polluted.
In winter, smog is a well-known problem in some large Italian cities.
The Po River Valley in the north of the country is partially affected by the phenomenon due to the lack of air circulation, which is due to its geographical position between high mountains.
In addition to this, the high population density in this area means that there are many vehicles and homes that are a source of harmful emissions. Lack of wind and rain make the problem worse.
In Milan, local authorities are encouraging citizens to heat their homes to just 19 degrees to reduce emissions. The same applies to commercial establishments, reports BTA.
Authorities also recommend that people spend as little time outside as possible.