Towards Smart City: Influence of Air Pollution on the Local Community of the Zabrze City in Surveys and Field Research

Abstract

Abstract The results of the conducted pilot research indicated the basic local problems of the residents of Zabrze city. The purpose of the next research was to answer the question: how to improve the quality of life of residents in a city with significant air pollution. Activities aimed at this goal are inscribed in the idea of "smart city". The article presents the results of pilot measurements of air pollution with toxic gases in the Zabrze city in the Silesian agglomeration (Poland). Field studies at selected locations in the city concerned measurements of nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and carbon dioxide. The aim of these studies was to identify areas of the city with significant air pollution with toxic gases in order to plan further detailed research. Made measurements showed the appearance of the local problem of accumulation of pollutants in several areas of the city. The results obtained were compared with surveys conducted among residents of the Zabrze city. The aim of the survey was to examine the respondents' awareness of: the location of areas with noticeable air pollution and health problems resulting from air pollution in the place of residence. The article also presents a plan of possible actions for the city of Zabrze within the framework of the "smart city" idea to improve the quality of life of the local city community in conditions of increased emission of gas pollution in the city.