Health Officials Advise Caution During Pollution Spike

2026-02-19 - 14:45

High levels of particulate pollution have been recorded in the capital area in recent days, with further spikes possible due to dry and calm conditions. As reported by RÚV, air quality readings have shown yellow and red levels, although wind improved conditions temporarily today. With little snow or precipitation since early winter, road dust has accumulated, contributing to increased particulate matter. What's the Story? Elevated particulate pollution recorded in the capital area in recent days, with dry and calm weather forecast to continue Dust-binding material for streets temporarily unavailable; shipment en route from the Faroe Islands to the City of Reykjavík and Vegagerðin Health advice to avoid outdoor activity near major roads and reduce car use during periods of high pollution Supplies Running Low The City of Reykjavík has reported a shortage of dust-binding material used to suppress pollution. Karl Eðvaldsson, Head of Operations and Development at the city’s Environmental Department, said: “It turns out that the material is gone and our supplier didn’t have any more. It’s actually on a ship from the Faroe Islands right now and should hopefully arrive after the weekend. We ordered twice as much as we have done so far.” He added: “Hopefully this won’t happen again, but these are circumstances we unfortunately didn’t foresee.” Street cleaning cannot take place in freezing temperatures, limiting available mitigation measures. Vegagerðin, the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration, which manages main roads, is awaiting the same shipment. In the meantime, health officials have advised caution. Svava Svanborg Steinarsdóttir of the Reykjavík Public Health Authority said: “Then try to avoid outdoor activities near our major arterial roads, the main roads in urban areas, and try to use environmentally friendly means of transportation. If people can work remotely and try to rest their cars and thus reduce the amount of traffic on the streets – then that is all positive and can help.”