Saasteisuus

Saasteisuus is a Finnish term referring to the level of pollution in an environment, including air, water, soil, and biota. It is defined by the concentration of contaminants such as particulate matter, chemicals, heavy metals, nutrients, pathogens, and radioactive substances, if present. The concept covers both acute pollution incidents and long‑term contamination.

Pollution is categorized by medium: air pollution, water pollution, and soil or sediment contamination. Air pollutants include particulate matter, sulfur and nitrogen oxides, ozone, and volatile organic compounds. Water pollution may involve nutrients, pathogens, pesticides, heavy metals, and organic chemicals. Soil contamination includes heavy metals, hydrocarbons, pesticides, and industrial residues. Indirect forms such as noise and light pollution are sometimes discussed as part of saasteisuus in broader contexts.

Measurement relies on environmental monitoring, sampling, and modeling to estimate pollutant concentrations and compare them with regulatory thresholds. Indicators such as air quality indices, drinking water standards, soil contamination limits, and ecosystem health measures are used. Saasteisuus is influenced by emissions sources (industry, traffic, agriculture), meteorological conditions, land use, and geography, and can have transboundary effects.

Impacts include adverse effects on human health, such as respiratory and cardiovascular problems, ecological damage, and economic costs related to healthcare, cleanup, and loss of ecosystem services. Regulatory frameworks at national and EU levels set exposure limits, reporting requirements, and reduction targets. Management emphasizes source reduction, emission controls, monitoring, remediation of polluted sites, and public information to support informed decision-making and sustainable development.