30. 04. 2025
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A unique air quality measurement was carried out at the Smíchov High School of Industry and Gymnasium (SSPŠ) in Prague at the beginning of April. A research team from Tampere University and the Finnish Meteorological Institute arrived in the Czech Republic with more than a tonne of high-tech measuring equipment. In cooperation with the IEM CAS, the international research team focused on monitoring the indoor and outdoor air in the school building.
The scientists measured the concentrations of both gaseous and particulate pollutants, the size of the particles and their chemical composition. The study was part of the international GIANT project (open in a new window), which aims to monitor and compare air quality in three European cities – Helsinki, Düsseldorf and Prague. Special attention was paid to how outdoor pollution infiltrates the interior of buildings of different constructions.
During the two-week measurement campaign, the school students had the opportunity to explore modern air measurement instruments and to discuss with scientists the functioning of the instruments, the principles of measurement and the effects of pollution on human health and the environment.
Air pollution is one of the most significant environmental health risks worldwide. Although Europe’s air quality is above the global average, it still exceeds the World Health Organisation’s recommended limits in many areas. The most common sources of pollution are transport and local heating sources; some pollutants also enter cities due to weather conditions from further afield.