Study indicates emerging Addis Ababa air pollution

May 11th, 2009 | EthioPolitics.com |

By Hayal Alemayehu - Reporter

A study commissioned by Forum for Environment Ethiopia (FfE) has indicated the emergence of air pollution in Addis Ababa, mainly caused by emissions from the exhaust pipes of cars and industries.

The study, conducted at five selected sites in the city” Kera, National Theater, Urael, Merkato and Behere Tsige areas ( the latter being a control site), showed the ambient air surrounding these areas contains abundant toxic gases which may cause acute respiratory diseases.

The study indicated that the major sources of these emissions were hazardous elements, including carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and nitrous oxide which mainly proceed from the exhaust pipes of older cars and industries.

Presented to stakeholders this week, the study indicated the degree of air pollution in the selected sites. The study is expected to pave the way toward the adoption or introduction of potential air pollution control strategy.

The FfE, which commissioned the study, is a platform for communicating among people concerned with the Ethiopian environment. The forum was established in June 1997 by a group of people committed to the preservation and betterment of the environment.