Brown areas indicate where the national target for NO2 was exceeded in Oslo (population 530 000) in 2003. Calculations show that approximately 7 000 people were exposed to concentrations exceeding this level in 2003. The number of people exposed to concentrations above the target level has been halved since 2001 as a result of lower emissions from road traffic. In addition, the number of people exposed was probably over-estimated in earlier analyses.
Brown areas indicate where the national target for NO2 was exceeded in Bergen (population 240 000) in 2003. Calculations show that approximately 3 000 people were exposed to concentrations exceeding this level in 2003. The areas where the target level was exceeded are located along the main roads. Emissions from road traffic account for between 85 and 99 per cent of the total emissions. Port activities can also be an important source of NO2 emissions which will affect nearby areas.
Are we moving in the right direction?
The national air quality targets apply to the entire country. Levels of local air pollution causing significant health problems are most likely to occur in larger towns. Therefore, the indicators have only been calculated for Oslo, Trondheim and Bergen. The results however, suggest that the target level for NO2 is likely to be exceeded in other towns as well. Existing measures in combination with measures to ensure compliance with the air quality standards set out in the Pollution Control Regulations, will probably be sufficient to achieve the national target for NO2 by 2010.