Air protection

Compared to other European cities of its size, air quality in Espoo is good, despite the occasionally high air pollutant concentrations. As in other parts of the Helsinki Metropolitan Area, vehicle traffic is the biggest source of air pollution. In the springtime, a single factor reducing the air quality in the city is gritting sand, which adds to road dust and makes air quality even very poor at times. In single-family house areas, wood burning may cause high concentrations of fine particulates, especially in cold and calm weather. 

Air quality within the Helsinki Metropolitan Area is monitored by the Helsinki Region Environmental Services Authority (HSY). Air quality is measured by seven permanent stations and four mobile units, whose readings can be tracked on an hourly basis. The stations measure the concentrations of air pollutants and are located in the areas with the worst air quality.   

Espoo has two permanent air quality monitoring stations: one in the intersection of Lintuvaarantie and Turuntie near Ring Road I in Leppävaara, and the other in Luukki. The Leppävaara measuring monitoring station reflects air quality in busy centres and the Luukki station in outdoor areas.  

Air quality now in Espoo(external link)(external link, opens in a new window) 

Read more about air quality in Espoo on HSY air quality pages(external link)(external link, opens in a new window) 

The city seeks to reduce air quality impacts through its decision-making and licensing processes. Local dust emissions caused by construction are limited with decisions based on the Environmental Protection Act. The environmental protection regulations contain provisions regarding dust abatement and smoke and odorous emissions. Air quality aspects are taken into account in city and traffic planning.  

Smaller air emission generating facilities in Espoo are monitored by the Environment Department and larger ones by the Uusimaa ELY Centre. The Public Works Department is responsible for street dust suppression and grit removal, and sprays streets under the Environment and Building Control Department’s orders to control adverse health effects associated with dust.