EAST Broadway is still the most polluted spot on the island, according to scientists at Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS).

Two years ago Dr. Andrew Peters, an associate research scientist, warned that this main thoroughfare into Hamilton had concentrations of airborne particulate matter that matched that of London and New York. And he says it hasn’t changed.

The island still has one of the highest road traffic densities in the world, with some 100 vehicles per kilometre of paved road, compared to Japan which has about 60 vehicles per kilometre of road.

Scientists have been conducting research on the island’s atmosphere since the 1980s at three main sites, including Prospect, Belco and East Broadway.

Pollution in the air is measured as total suspended particles (TSP). The standard of 60 TSP means there would be 60 micrograms of pollutants per cubic metre of air and East Broadway exceeds this annual limit specified in the Bermuda Clean Air Regulations of 1993.

Using highly sensitive instruments that detect particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers, Dr. Peters warned that long-term exposure to this airborne particulate matter, especially the finer particles, may exacerbate or cause heart problems and respiratory problems, including asthma and emphysema.

Those at greatest risk include anyone with existing respiratory and cardiovascular disease, the elderly, children and asthmatics of all ages.

However, the pollution also has an impact on the environment as heavy particles coat leaf surfaces, inhibiting vegetative growth, impair visibility and reduce solar radiation.

Scientists also hope the ongoing atmospheric research will determine the possible effects of rising levels of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, on the atmosphere.

As for the future, Dr. Peters is hopeful that the Transport Control Department’s plans to test vehicles for emissions levels later this year will bring the pollution levels on East Broadway down to an acceptable level.

Another move in the right direction was the passing of The Clean Air Amendment Regulations 2006 by MPs in the House of Assembly earlier this month.

A significant change to the Bill is limiting the sulphur content of imported gasoline, diesel and other fuel to two per cent.

It is hoped these changes will bring further reductions in emissions of pollutants in the air.

Even though Bermuda has no heavy industry, local sources of air pollutants which impact air quality include waste incineration at the Tynes Bay Waste Treatment Facility and electricity generated at Belco’s plant in Pembroke.

According to previous reports, Belco has not exceeded the limit of an annual average of 60 TSP, but in 2000 recorded its highest level of 52 TSP, which dropped to 42 TSP four years later — and has not changed since.

Polluted spot