Environmental Issues In Poland

Poland’s environment was not good many years ago during the communist regime. Now, the environmental has improved. This was possible because the government increased their awareness of issues about the environment. The focus on heavy industries also decreased. Many forests, however, were lost in World War II, and the country has not recovered yet. After the war, Poland lost around 4 million acres of forestland. Contaminants from planes and acid rain damaged 75 percent of the forests in Poland in the mid 90s.

During the 90s, environmental issues in Poland involved air, land, and water pollution. The air had various dust and chemicals, such as lead, carbon dioxide, ammonia, fluoride, nitrogen compounds, formaldehyde, and cadmium. Carbon dioxide emission levels were high in the Poland. The country was ranked 12th in the world for high carbon dioxide levels. There were 341.8 million metric tons, and the total increased two years later at 356 million tons. Many regions were affected, but the Katowice region was affected the most. The levels of dust and sulfur increased beyond dangerous levels. Animals were affected by the environmental issues as well. Some of the habitats degenerated. Many animals were endangered, and some animals were treated with extinction.

The quality of the air is a major concern for Poland’s environmental policy. Although the air has improved slowly, other problems still occur. During the summer, ozone concentrations are an issue. Winter time involves issues with excessive concentrations of particulate matter. Also, the country has to decrease levels of nitrogen dioxide because it is also found in the air. Other contaminants are also common, but they are not a major concern. These minor contaminants are sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, benzene, and various metals.

Ozone can travel great distances. There are excessive amounts of ozone found in the southern parts of Poland. The concentration levels in northern areas of Poland are low levels of ground level ozone Efforts have been made to reduce the ozone, but it still remains an issue. Levels are the highest during the cold, winter months. Emissions increase due to thermal energy plants. This increases the chances of dispersion at ground level.

A few cities in Poland, however, do not have to worry about ozone pollution. Cities that are found in mountains or river valleys are shielded for pollution in the air because the mountains and valleys stop dispersion.

Pollution issues in Poland are not great for the population. A small solid and particles made of liquid combine to make particulates. Particulates cause lung problems and cardiovascular problems because they can enter the respiratory system. The overall number of people who were exposed to particulates were at five percent in 2005. This is based on an annual exposure limit. The percentage of daily exposure was higher at 45 percent. The pollution level has now, however, improved for the population of Poland.

Car pollution is not a big issue for the country. Although the number of cars have increased, the levels of nitrogen dioxide is just slightly over the recommended amount. Car pollution levels are the highest in urban areas where pollutants generally occur.