Environmental Group Uncovers Years of Concealed Air Quality Data in Sofia
For years, Bulgaria's Ministry of Environment and Water kept from the public that the air quality monitoring system in Sofia was compromised and failed to accurately report pollution levels, despite having the relevant information. During this time, thousands of Sofia's residents suffered health issues, and some likely died prematurely due to the polluted air.
This information came to light after the environmental group "For the Earth" won a legal battle for access to public information (Case No. 4667/2024, Administrative Court, Sofia). The organization had requested the release of a 2022 report, commissioned by the then Minister of Environment, that assessed the locations of air quality monitoring stations in the country. For reasons that remain unclear, this critical information had been withheld from the public for so long.
The report revealed that two of Sofia's transport-oriented automatic monitoring stations, "Mladost" and "Pavlovo", do not meet the required standards as they are situated too far from the road. This results in lower-than-actual readings of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) pollution, one of the most significant urban air pollutants in Europe, primarily stemming from transportation.
Ivaylo Popov from "For the Earth" emphasized the urgency of addressing the flaws in the air quality monitoring system, highlighting the need for transparency and public involvement. He called for authorities to hold those responsible for the cover-up accountable, as their actions amounted to a crime against public health.
Results of "For the Earth" measurements with 2021 data on nitrogen dioxide pollution in the city. The problem was not taken into account in the planning of the two circles of the zone with low emissions from transport in...
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