Focus Taiwan
Date: 2016/11/09
By: Yu Hsiao-han and Elizabeth Hsu
CNA file photo
Taipei, Nov. 9 (CNA) The emission of fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) has increased in Taiwan over the past three years, with construction activities and paved road emissions the main culprit, according the latest Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) data.
An average of 77,182 metric tons of PM2.5 per annum was emitted over the past three years, representing an increase of 3,327 tons, or 4.5 percent compared with the EPA’s previous calculation of air pollutant emission levels in 2013.
However, there was a drop of 24.6 percent in the overall emission of air pollutants, according to the EPA data released on Nov. 1.
The agency on Wednesday blamed the increase in hazardous PM2.5 emissions on construction activities and paved road emissions, which were found to be responsible for more than 40 percent of PM2.5 emissions. [FULL STORY]
