Health Officials Question Advice During Capital Pollution Spikes

2026-02-16 - 12:58

An emergency physician at Landspítali student hospital has urged authorities to reconsider how air pollution in the capital area is addressed. As reported by RÚV, he argued that people may face greater exposure inside cars than outdoors. In Reykjavík, short-term particulate (PM10) spikes are less about exhaust fumes and more about road dust and mechanical wear particles. During calm winter or early spring days, this dust can build up and then become airborne, leading to temporary pollution alerts. What's the Story? Comments by Hjalti Már Björnsson, emergency physician at Landspítali and chair of the Association of Physicians Against Environmental Threats, on Morgunútvarpið on Rás 2 Statement that particulate pollution in the capital area is linked to heart disease, strokes and cancer, citing recent studies Call for reduced car use and changes in urban planning during periods of high particulate levels Photo: Pxhere. CC. Unhealthier than you think! Hjalti Már Björnsson, who also chairs the Association of Physicians Against Environmental Threats, said long-term solutions require changes in urban planning to reduce reliance on private vehicles. Speaking on Morgunútvarpið on Rás 2, he stated: “There have been many studies in recent years that prove how air pollution and particulate matter directly cause heart attacks and coronary artery disease and strokes. This is carcinogenic and so is this microplastic that enters the body, into the bloodstream and into cells. We are primarily breathing in tire debris and asphalt debris that has been scraped up from the streets by car traffic.” He questioned public advice to remain indoors when particulate levels are high. “By far the most pollution is on the streets. There, the cars are driving one after the other, each one following the exhaust and dust that the next car in front is kicking up. People often imagine that the centre has filters that clean this out and that is why clean air comes into the car. But some of the greatest pollution is precisely inside the cars. People should not use their cars at all on days like this, to protect themselves from pollution.” He added: “The structure needs to change and it should be unconditional that people’s right to breathe clean air and get exercise is stronger than people’s right to drive.”