AIR POLLUTION – MONITORING MODELLING AND HEALTH

Air Pollution in Mega Cities: A Case Study of Istanbul 111
country’s technology and pollution control capability by air quality improving plans, using
cleaner fuels, renewable.
Megacities in developed and developing countries have different emission sources and air
quality problems. Most of the megacities in developed countries (Los Angeles, New York,
USA; Osaka, Tokyo, Japan and Paris, France) motor vehicles have been the major emission
source and PM 10 , PM 2.5 , and NO 2 were the critical air quality parameters whereas, industry,
motor vehicles and residential heating were major emissions in developing countries. In
addition to the emission sources, the critical air quality parameters in megacities of
developing countries are PM 10 , PM 2.5 , NO 2 , SO 2 and CO. Dust transport leads to serious air
quality and visibility problem in some megacities in developing countries such as Beijing
and Cairo.
Rapid urbanization has resulted in increasing urban air pollution in major cities, especially
in the developing countries. Over 90% of air pollution in cities of these countries is
attributed to vehicle emissions brought about by high number of older vehicles coupled
with low fuel quality. Increased population density causes new risks for the residents
through deteriorated environment and social problems due to the intense and complicated
interactions between economic, demographic, social political and ecological processes in
megacities.
Finally, in megacities of the developing world, in order to enhance quality of life, city
planning needs to adopt new visions and innovating management tools. One of the key
public concerns in megacities is transportation. High population density and high motor
vehicle rates need to be improved. Transport policies should consist of multiple strategies
particularly in developing countries.
8. Acknowledgements
The authors acknowledge Özkan Çapraz, Dr Huseyin Toros and Melike Celebi for their help
with graphics of this chapter.
9. References
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