Helsinki advises residents how to cope with poor air quality

The concentration of dust can be 10 times higher than usual during this time of the year

Last week, the Helsinki Region Environmental Services (HSY) reported that the air quality in the Finnish capital has begun deteriorating due to the beginning of the ‘street dust season’. According to HSY, March and April are often perceived to be the worst months for street dust as the sun comes out, the snow melts, and the streets become dry. In turn, traffic flow and wind lift dust into the air, reducing its quality.

Reporting that the concentration of dust can be 10 times higher than usual during this time of the year, the capital stressed that this season can have a negative impact on our health. More specifically, it shared that young children, elderly people, and those with respiratory/heart diseases can develop irritating symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, and itchy eyes (among others).

How to cope with street dust

The Finnish capital has now published the following list of tips to help those living in the city minimise the generation of street dust and/or cope with poor air quality:

1. Prevent the generation of street dust by avoiding driving;
2. Walk, cycle, or use public transport instead of your car;
3. If you do drive, make sure to change your tires for the summer season when the weather permits;
4. Make sure your car is not parked in a way that hinders the cleaning of streets;
5. Avoid busy areas when outdoors;
6. Walk through parks or by the ocean as the air is significantly cleaner just one block away from congested streets;
7. Keep the windows closed on dusty days;
8. Dry your laundry indoors;
9. Get air filters for your home and keep them in good condition by replacing the filters in the spring and autumn;
10. Water your yard before sweeping to prevent dust from rising.

Lastly, the municipality reminds residents that they can monitor the air quality in their area by visiting hsy.fi.