PROGRAMME

The World Health Organization (WHO) at the end of January 2020 declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). At the end of March 2020, the epidemic turned into the pandemic. The consequent stringent lockdown measures adopted to mitigate the spread of the virus generated huge economic impacts, along with clear environmental consequences. The study analyses the effects on the air quality of the restrictions measures imposed to limit the spread of the virus, with the aim to investigate their effectiveness. The experimental studies are presented with reference to the territory of the Campania Region (Italy). The concentrations of the main atmospheric pollutants (eg. PM10, PM2.5, NO2, CO, C6H6, O3, SO2) were analysed and compared in different lockdown scenarios, imposed by the policy-makers in relation to the progress of the pandemic. The influence of sociological, meteorological and geographical aspects was taken into account in the impact analysis. The results show a significant reductions of the concentrations of the monitored pollutants in the first complete lockdown and a correlation of trends in air quality with the recovery of some economic activities. The research contributes to the air quality control by suggesting weak spots and possible strategy to ensure high quality standards.