"Air pollution is associated with a wide range of health problems, including chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer. The World Health Organization estimates that air pollution causes approximately 7 million premature deaths globally each year. The health costs caused by air pollution in Bucharest are the highest in Europe, at around 3,000 euros per person. Additionally, the European Environment Agency reports that air pollution remains the main environmental risk to the health of Europeans and estimates that at least 253,000 deaths in the EU in 2021 can be attributed to exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) above the concentration of 5 micrograms/m³ recommended by WHO", the source mentioned.

According to research conducted by 2Celsius and Ecopolis in 2023, which monitored nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels in 21 locations in Bucharest, there were exceedances of the legal limits in six points. NO2 is a gas resulting from road traffic, industrial activities and electricity production, and in high quantities, it affects human health, particularly causing respiratory issues.

"Bucharest has been going through a mobility crisis for years, which means the city is suffocated by cars and their emissions. Low Emission Zones are one of the most effective ways to improve air quality in cities, especially if they are implemented across the entire city. They must work together with a functional and dense air quality monitoring network because only then can we show people how effective these zones are (...)", explained Mihai Stoica, executive director of 2Celsius, in the cited analysis.

In this regard, the environmental organization presented a proposal for implementing such zones in the Report on Waste Burning and Other Recoverable Materials in Bucharest and Ilfov, developed by Ecopolis and AerLive in 2021.

Low Emission Zones, according to Law 155/2023 on sustainable urban mobility, represent designated urban areas where vehicle access is restricted or regulated based on the level of pollutants they generate. The main purpose of these zones is to reduce air and noise pollution, thereby promoting a healthier environment for residents and improving the quality of life in cities.

"In these zones, the use of less polluting means of transport, such as electric vehicles, bicycles or ecological public transport, is encouraged, and taxes or restrictions can be applied to conventional engine vehicles that do not meet the established emission standards. Implementing low emission zones involves a series of administrative and technical measures, including the installation of appropriate signage, monitoring emission levels, and imposing penalties for non-compliance with regulations. Local authorities are responsible for designating and managing these zones, with the freedom to establish specific rules based on the needs and characteristics of each city. These measures aim not only to reduce pollution but also to encourage the adoption of more sustainable and environmentally friendly urban mobility habits", say representatives of the relevant association.