Air Pollution In Jordan: Understanding The Root Causes

Jordan's air quality is a pressing issue, with the country experiencing dangerous levels of air pollution. While the country has taken steps to address the problem, such as implementing policies to reduce industrial emissions and limit greenhouse gases, air pollution remains a significant concern, particularly in urban areas. The primary causes of outdoor air pollution in Jordan include vehicle emissions, construction, industrial activities, and the burning of stubble and fossil fuels. Indoor air pollution, caused by cooking fuels, dampness, mould, and cleaning chemicals, is equally harmful to public health. With the air quality deteriorating in late October and reaching its worst during the winter, Jordan's population must take precautions, such as wearing N95 masks and using air purifiers, to protect themselves from the adverse effects of air pollution.

Vehicle emissions

Jordanian researchers found that levels of black carbon particles in the air were higher in urban areas due to vehicles and heating compared to industrial areas. To address this issue, the Jordanian government introduced new policies in 2006 to limit emissions from vehicles and industry. These policies set acceptable levels of pollutant gas emissions for vehicles, including maximum emission levels for CO2 (10%), carbon monoxide (5%), unburned hydrocarbons or black smoke (600 ppm), and the opacity of diesel emissions (70%).

The enforcement of these regulations falls to teams established by the Ministry of the Environment, who fine violators up to 500 JD for polluting trucks. In conjunction with the French Development Agency, the Ministry of the Environment has also undertaken a project to measure and inform the public about air pollution levels at traffic lights, demonstrating a commitment to tackling vehicle emissions and improving air quality in Jordan.

Despite these efforts, air pollution from vehicles remains a significant issue in Jordan, particularly in urban areas. High levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) have been recorded in cities like Amman, Zarqa, and Irbid. For instance, near the Abdali intersection in downtown Amman, a concentration of 118 μg/m3 of NO2 was measured, exceeding the national acceptable limit of 100 μg/m3 NOx.

Industrial emissions

Jordan's industrial sector contributes to air pollution through the emission of various pollutants, including heavy metals and fine particulate matter (PM10). These emissions can have detrimental effects on both the environment and human health. Heavy metals, such as lead, and mercury are particularly concerning due to their persistence in the environment and potential for bioaccumulation in the food chain. Fine particulate matter, including dust and soot, can pose respiratory health risks when inhaled.

To address industrial emissions, the Jordanian government implemented policies in 2006 to limit air and soil pollution from industries and control greenhouse gas emissions. These policies set acceptable levels of pollutant gas emissions from industrial sources. As a result, industries have been required to adopt cleaner technologies and practices to reduce their environmental impact.

Despite these efforts, industrial emissions continue to impact Jordan's air quality, particularly in urban areas. For example, monitoring stations in downtown Amman measured average concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) at 70 μg/m3, which is the national acceptable limit. However, near the Abdali intersection, a concentration of 118 μg/m3 was recorded, exceeding the acceptable limit. These findings highlight the ongoing challenges in managing industrial emissions and maintaining air quality, especially in densely populated areas.

Furthermore, industrial emissions in Jordan are not limited to outdoor air pollution. Indoor air quality can also be affected by the release of harmful chemicals and pollutants from industrial processes. This is particularly relevant for individuals working in or residing near industrial areas, as they may be exposed to elevated levels of indoor air pollutants. Ensuring proper ventilation and implementing effective pollution control measures in industrial settings are crucial for mitigating the impact on indoor air quality.

Construction activities

Diesel engines that power vehicles and heavy machinery, like breakers, bulldozers, and excavators, are major sources of air pollution. These engines release pollutants such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons. Additionally, land clearing and demolition equipment can generate high levels of dust from particulate matter, including small particles of construction dust from cement, concrete, silica, and wood, which contain sulfates and silicates.

The use of hazardous chemicals, such as paints, glues, oils, thinners, and plastics, during construction projects can further contribute to air pollution. Asbestos-containing materials, if not properly contained or degraded, can release asbestos fibers into the air, posing significant health risks as they do not biodegrade.

To minimize the negative impacts of construction on air quality, measures such as designing more sustainable construction projects, using sustainable and pollutant-free building materials, and minimizing the discharge of pollutants at the site can be implemented. Real-time air quality monitoring solutions, like Attune, can also help construction managers oversee and reduce air pollution during projects.

Burning stubble and fossil fuels

Jordan's air pollution is caused by a combination of factors, including the burning of stubble and fossil fuels. Let's explore the impacts of these practices in more detail:

Burning Stubble

The practice of stubble burning, common in South Asia, has been identified as a major contributor to air pollution. It involves setting fire to crop residues, such as rice and wheat stubble, after the harvest season. This activity releases various gaseous pollutants, including carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), methane (CH4), and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5). The release of these pollutants causes severe damage to both human health and the environment. For example, the burning of 63 million tonnes of crop stubble releases approximately 3.4 million tonnes of CO, 0.1 million tonnes of NOx, 91 million tonnes of CO2, 0.6 million tonnes of CH4, and 1.2 million tonnes of PM into the atmosphere.

Jordan, like other countries in the region, may experience air pollution due to stubble burning during specific periods. The impact of stubble burning is more severe in countries with intensive rice-wheat rotation systems, such as India, where a large amount of stubble is generated annually. About 22% to 34% of this stubble is burned on fields immediately after the harvest, leading to a significant increase in air pollutants.

Burning Fossil Fuels

The burning of fossil fuels, including oil, coal, and gas, has been a primary energy source for over a century. However, it has detrimental effects on the environment and human health. Fossil fuels emit harmful air pollutants, even before they are burned, through activities such as mining, drilling, and transportation. The combustion of fossil fuels releases toxic pollutants and contributes to global warming and climate change.

The specific pollutants released from burning fossil fuels include carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter (PM2.5), benzene, and formaldehyde. These pollutants have been linked to various health issues, including childhood leukemia, blood disorders, and cancer. Additionally, the combustion of fossil fuels disproportionately affects children, especially those from vulnerable socioeconomic backgrounds, by impacting their development and increasing the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders.

To address the air pollution caused by burning stubble and fossil fuels, it is essential to transition to cleaner energy sources and adopt sustainable agricultural practices. By implementing alternative management practices for crop residues and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, we can mitigate the harmful effects of air pollution on both the environment and human health in Jordan and globally.

Wildfires

To mitigate the risk of wildfires, a combination of strategies can be employed, including site location, site design, fuel management, building design, and emergency response. It is important to consider the appropriateness of projects in relation to site location and wildfire hazard, limiting certain types and locations of vegetation that can fuel wildfires. Fuel reduction through slashing, removal, or regular burning is a key strategy for managing wildfire risk.

In addition to natural wildfires, human activities such as construction, forestry, and agriculture can increase the risk of wildfire ignition and spread. Legal indemnity and insurance are important considerations for projects to protect against potential financial losses and legal action resulting from wildfires. Risk mitigation approaches should be discussed and tailored to the specific project to effectively manage the impact of wildfires on air pollution in Jordan.

Wildfire hazard assessments should consider the potential risk from vegetation beyond the immediate project site, as future growth can increase the risk of wildfires. Projects involving the storage and use of combustible or hazardous materials must carefully evaluate the implications of a potential wildfire attack and implement appropriate measures to minimize risk. Regional fire agencies play a crucial role in advising on fire weather hazard levels and providing guidance on activities to avoid or manage during wildfire-prone conditions.

Overall, wildfires significantly impact air quality in Jordan, and proactive measures, including risk mitigation strategies, insurance policies, and vegetation management, are essential to minimize their occurrence and mitigate their effects on the environment and human health.

Frequently asked questions