IRIDEX joins the citizens in the effort to identify the source of air pollution in Chiajna commune and will install, through its own investment, a high-performance air quality monitoring system, consisting of two measuring devices, one in the perimeter of the ecological landfill and the second in one of the areas where there are complaints of olfactory discomfort. This complex system is expected to be operational by June this year. IRIDEX is also calling for the active involvement of the Mayor's Office of Sector 1 and the support of the environmental authorities in order to permanently monitor air quality by placing a network of similar measuring devices in the area, which can quantify any possible exceedances of pollutant concentrations. This monitoring will make it possible to identify all existing sources of air pollution in the area of the landfill and in the surrounding neighborhoods. For full transparency, the measured data can be displayed on monitors installed in the city or can be retrieved from the websites of the City Hall and national environmental protection authorities.

Innovation has been a constant on the road traveled by IRIDEX, a group of companies with wholly Romanian private capital, which is celebrating over 25 years of activity. The investment in technologies dedicated to air quality monitoring is a new step in the responsible strategy to protect the environment and improve the quality of life of citizens. With an investment of €100,000, IRIDEX will install, by June this year, a high-performance monitoring system consisting of two measuring devices, which will transmit the measured data in real time to a computer system. One will be installed in the perimeter of the Chiajna warehouse and the second in one of the areas of discomfort. Highly sensitive and technically sophisticated, the unique analyzers have been ordered from a world-renowned manufacturer and will be delivered within 16 weeks, with installation, testing and calibration to be completed within another month.

"It is a necessary investment in order to identify the real source of pollution and a concrete way to reassure once again the citizens who complain of discomfort that the landfill is not affecting their air quality or their health. We encourage local authorities to take steps to install similar monitoring stations in the perimeter of Sector 1. We have declared our willingness to support them in this process and will provide technical expertise to install these devices. Without the involvement of decision-makers in public authorities, citizens will not be able to find out what the real sources of pollution are and what the effects of these sources are in impairing the quality of the air they breathe"says Mr. Sorin Matei, Technical Director of IRIDEX.

Such a measuring point consists of three main components: the analyzer (the measuring device), the data-logger that archives, calculates and records the measured value over a time interval, and a computer system that collects and processes all this data and transmits it to the GPRS system. Optionally, a fourth component can be added - a weather station, which allows the quantification of meteorological parameters, which are extremely important variables in dispersion modeling. These devices measure the concentrations of hydrogen sulphide and sulphur dioxide in ambient air and can highlight possible exceedances. On the basis of the values measured by each of these devices, dispersion studies can determine the likelihood of the location of a pollution source.

IRIDEX reaffirms its hope that the City Hall of Sector 1 will strive for the correct and immediate implementation of all the measures specified in the "Integrated Air Quality Plan for Bucharest", in accordance with the electoral promises and in order to improve the quality of life of the citizens in this sector. IRIDEX understands that this general plan - to be individualized for each area - does not include the legal obligation to monitor the hydrogen sulphide parameter, which, according to the rules in force, becomes harmful only at high concentrations and in conditions of prolonged exposure. However, constant complaints from citizens require responsible action. Among these, the correct identification of the sources of pollution would be a welcome first step so that, over and above demagogic declarations, a real and effective plan can be implemented to counteract the effects.

About IRIDEX

Established more than 25 years ago, IRIDEX Group employs over 700 people and has a turnover of around €75 million. With an exclusively Romanian shareholding, the group carries out integrated waste management works, design and operation of municipal landfills for non-hazardous waste, civil and industrial construction, infrastructure works at the highest quality standard. Iridex implements pioneering projects in various fields: promotion of the use of renewable energy sources, biogas power plants, etc.

Out of respect for the community, IRIDEX reaffirms its long-term commitment to environmentally responsible policies and aims to implement the principles of the Circular Economy, using clean facilities manufactured in the European Union, whose activity is continuously monitored and certified. More details on: www.iridex.ro