Port of Salerno air quality monitoring shows impact from cruise ships

Arpac has launched intensified air quality monitoring at the Port of Salerno using a mobile laboratory to assess the impact of maritime emissions on public health and port workers. The initiative aims to provide scientific data regarding pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, benzene, and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5).

Initial data collected between September 24 and September 28 indicates that while there is no immediate health emergency and pollutants remain within regulatory limits, there is a clear correlation between ship maneuvers and air quality changes. For instance, sulfur dioxide and particulate matter levels remained well below alarm thresholds. However, a significant peak in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) was recorded on the morning of September 28 during the approach and docking of the Norwegian Epic.

Regional Environment Councilor Claudia Pecoraro emphasized that while the port is vital for economic development, environmental protection and health must be prioritized through transparent, data-driven prevention policies.