Yom Kippur 5787: Sharp drop in air pollution across the country

On Yom Kippur 5787, a sharp drop in air pollution was recorded across the country. Data from the national air monitoring network showed very good air quality at all stations, with a significant decrease in nitrogen oxide concentrations, a marker of pollution from transportation. The improvement indicates that transportation is the main source of pollution in cities.

On Yom Kippur 5787, a sharp drop in air pollution was recorded across the country, according to data from the national air monitoring network of the Ministry of Environmental Protection. With the onset of the holiday on Sunday evening, nitrogen oxide concentrations—a marker of air pollution from vehicles—dropped at most transportation stations in Haifa, Gush Dan, and Jerusalem. Peak concentrations on Yom Kippur at transportation stations in major cities ranged from 3.1 to 61.1 parts per billion (ppb)—very low compared to the half-hour environmental standard of 500 ppb. Nitrogen oxides cause symptoms of respiratory diseases and reduce the body's resistance to bacteria and viruses. The improvement in air quality indicates that transportation is the main source of pollution in city centers. This year, low concentrations were also measured in particles that pass through the respiratory tract. The Ministry of Environmental Protection is working to reduce air pollution from transportation through programs to reduce private car use and encourage public transportation, walking, and cycling. To date, approximately 2,842 electric buses and 95 electric minibuses have been deployed on Israeli roads, replacing diesel-powered buses. Although large industry continued to operate even on Yom Kippur, no increase in short-term benzene concentrations was measured.