Effect of travel restriction on PM10 concentrations in Naples: One year of experience

Abstract

The PM10 is an ubiquitarian and most common pollutant in the world, especially in the Western countries, and it is responsible onset of many pathologies from cancer to cardiorespiratory diseases and human reproduction, on the pregnant women and birth outcomes, in addition to recently has been associated with metabolic diseases (like diabetes). In the light of this scenario, the city of Naples decided in 2010, attempting to reduce PM10 concentrations, to establish a travel restriction for the cars over the city to time slots and on alternate days. We have analyzed the PM10 data from eight monitoring stations dislocated on the city ground. The period of analysis was a year, from July 2010 to July 2011. The results were not absolutely close to expectations, having practically demonstrated that there is no statistically significant difference between the days and hours when the travel restriction was active and those where no have the travel restriction. In conclusion, the travel restriction at time slots and alternate days as structured in the city of Naples seems have not significant improvement of air quality but should need further studies to obtain more reliable data.