Experts call for long-term plan to tackle Italy's poor air quality

Though rain and wind have helped alleviate smog across Italy, experts believe a series of smog alerts at the start of the year across central and northern Italy could have worrisome complications if government fails to take action.

Starting in late December last year and stretching into early January, dozens of Italian cities issued smog warnings, imposing restrictions on automobile traffic in cities. In Rome, a ban on New Year's firework displays was issued.

Unusually dry and windless weather have exacerbated already worrisome smog, which was partially a result of increasingly heavy traffic in city centers, a lack of incentives for environment friendly transport, and loose enforcement of air quality rules for industrial production, according to experts.

"There was a combination of factors that created a serious situation in many cities, especially in northern Italy," Giorgio Zampetti, science director with the Italian environmental group Legambiente, said in an interview.

In Italy, smog was the result of multiple factors and it usually dissipated when the weather changed. But according to Audrey Perotti, a France-based air quality expert who has followed the situation in Italy, the fact that the smog became less critical does not mean local governments should turn their attention elsewhere.

"Addressing air quality issues only when there are serious smog problems is not a winning strategy," said Perotti, adding "governments must systematically adapt regulations to limit activities that pollute the air."

To tackle smog, the experts have proposed measures including investment in environmental friendly public transport, ban on high-polluting diesel vehicles in urban areas, tighter controls on vehicle emissions, lowering speed limits near urban centers, and more inspections on industrial plants.

There are worrisome complications if the smog problem continues to grow, according to Loredana Musmeci, a researcher from Italy's Instituto Superiore di Sanita (High Institute for Health).

In the short term, smog can cause problems for the very young and very old, or those with respiratory or immune system problems. Prolonged exposure to smog will result in increases in birth defects, leukemia, and other forms of cancer, Musmeci said.

Perotti added Italy's millions of marble monuments and building facades would also be affected. Their surfaces would be eaten away by toxins in the air.

But the most far-reaching problem generated by lingering smog could be the damage to Italy's image, according to Andrea Giuricin, an economist from the Bruno Leoni think tank and University Milano Bicocca.

"Italy is regarded as one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Such an image boost not only tourism, but also the export of Italian food, wine, fashion and design," said Giuricin.

"If smog becomes associated with the 'Italian brand' and the world starts to look at Italy differently, it would be a big blow to Italy," Giuricin added. Endit