Air Pollution In Reykjavík Over The Healthy Limit

Air pollution in Reykjavík is too high for some people today, although the impending weather may chance that this evening.

RÚV reports that the City of Reykjavík has released a statement saying that a combination of dry streets, relatively still winds and little precipitation has led to the conditions prevailing in some parts of Reykjavík. While much of the city has fine air quality, air pollution levels at the Grensás location on the east side register at about 177.6µg/m3 at the time of this writing.

This is far above air pollution levels in other parts of the city. As such, those with allergies, or severe heart and lung conditions, are advised to stay indoors. However, the stormy weather that is expected to blow in tonight will likely clear up these conditions.

It should also be mentioned that early spring is prime time for increased air pollution for another reason: people late to change from winter to summer tires. Winter tires often come equipped with tiny spikes on them which, while effective on ice, can damage asphalt and kick up a considerable amount of dust. The problem is so well-known, in fact, that police can and do issue fines to people who are late changing their seasonal tires.