UK should tackle air pollution says the World Health Organisation
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- By Sander
- Posted in Britain pollution, dirty diesels, particulate matter
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The WHO has released data on levels of particulate matter in 3,000 urban areas in 103 countries around the world, highlighting what it described as the "greatest environmental risk to health", responsible for more than 3 million premature deaths worldwide ever year.
The WHO has released data on levels of particulate matter in 3,000 urban areas in 103 countries around the world, highlighting what it described as the "greatest environmental risk to health", responsible for more than 3 million premature deaths worldwide ever year.
Of the 51 areas across Britain 40 exceeded the WHO's guideline limits for 'PM2.5', or fine particulate matter, while 10 exceeded the guideline levels for 'PM10', slightly larger particulate pollution.
London, Leeds, Port Talbot, Scunthorpe, Eastbourne and Leeds are the worst areas.
Particulate matter is caused by the industry and traffic . Especcially from diesel. It raises the risk of heart attacks and strokes in those that inhale it.
It is estimated to kill 29,000 people a year in the UK.
The WHO's guidelines on particulate matter are roughly twice as stringent as the EU's limits, with which the UK is in compliance.
The UK however exceeds both EU and WHO limits on nitrogen oxides and has faced legal challenge to do more to meet the EU limits.
Chief executive of environmental law organisation ClientEarth, James Thornton, said: "We need the government to wake up to our air pollution crisis. The only time it has shown resolve in this area is when it has decided to fight us in the courts when we’ve challenged them over the illegal levels of air pollution in this country.
"We need bold and courageous action to save lives. We have the right to breathe clean air. It is a shame that our government doesn’t seem to agree."
"This is a public health crisis. It’s time it was treated that way. We need fewer and cleaner vehicles with a Clean Air Zone in every city and large town – and politicians must urgently introduce a diesel scrappage scheme to get the worst polluting vehicles off our roads, as well as more investment in alternatives to driving."
"Our plans clearly set out how we will improve the UK’s air quality through a new programme of Clean Air Zones, which alongside national action and continued investment in clean technologies will create cleaner, healthier air for all."
Source: The Telegraph
Read full article: buff.ly/1Tclfd7
fairair note:
Many households have mechanical ventilation units with heat recovery in their houses. Since we spend an average time of 90%-95% indoors we advice to use fine dust filters in your MVHR unit. Keep pollution outdoors. Make sure your indoor climate is healthy.
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