News / UK and world by Press Association April 29, 2019, 2:57 pm Send us a story Sign up to our Daily newsletter Poisonous air across Northern Ireland is contributing to illness and early death for many people, it has been claimed. The stark warning comes as an investigation into air quality in Belfast revealed “dangerously high” levels of pollutants. Levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were so high in some areas that it breached legal limits at 30 sites across the city. An environmental group monitored levels of NO2 for several weeks, providing a snapshot of NO2 pollution. NO2 is a toxic gas which inflames the lining of the lungs. The results found levels of NO2 pollution breaching legal limits at 30 sites across Belfast and North Down. The group claimed that particularly high readings were recorded outside the Royal Victoria Hospital and at the Belfast Metropolitan College Millfield Campus. The legal annual limit for NO2 is 40 micrograms per … [Read more...] about ‘Dangerously high’ levels of air pollution found in Northern Ireland
Effects of air pollution
Air pollution knocks almost one year off the average European’s life: WHO
Nine out of ten people worldwide breathe polluted air daily, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). That means 91% of the world’s population are living in places where air quality exceeds guideline limits Air pollution is thought to directly cause the deaths of around 7 million people per year, mostly in Asia and Africa. 25% of heart disease, 24% of strokes, and 43% of lung disease and lung cancer deaths are could be "attributed to air pollution", according to WHO. Cities in India and China accounted for many of the worst culprits, but Europeans are also affected by the phenomenon. According to the European Environmental Agency (EEA), air pollution currently causes almost 500,000 premature deaths across Europe every year. Exposure to particulate matter (PM) has decreased the life expectancy of every person on the continent by an average of almost 1 year, mostly due to increased risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and lung cancer, according to WHO. The … [Read more...] about Air pollution knocks almost one year off the average European’s life: WHO
Thai capital closes hundreds of schools because of air pollution
News / World by Press Association 30/01/2019, 11:23 am Send us a story Sign up to our Daily newsletter More than 400 schools in Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, have been shut for the rest of the week due to increasing concern over dangerously unhealthy air pollution. The country’s prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha directed Bangkok’s governor to order the closure of 437 schools after officials said the pollution would continue until next Monday. They said still air and heavy traffic are causing a buildup of particles in the air. The Pollution Control Department said the amount of especially dangerous tiny PM 2.5 particles has risen in all areas in and around Bangkok since Monday. “We decided to eliminate the problem by closing down the schools,” said Police General Asawin Kwanmuang, the city’s governor. “We’re afraid that it can be dangerous for the children.” Technical colleges are included among the closed … [Read more...] about Thai capital closes hundreds of schools because of air pollution
The Yorkshire Post says: Burning issue of air pollution puts stoves ban in spotlight
0 Have your say During the grim winter months, returning home to a log burner or open fire provides warmth and comfort to countless households. But it can also come at a considerable cost to the environment through increased air pollution, which is at illegal levels in numerous places throughout Yorkshire, including in York, Leeds and Sheffield to name but three.Stoves and open fires are now the single biggest source of particulate matter emissions - considered the most damaging pollutant. As part of the Government’s Clean Air Strategy, it has now been revealed the most polluting log burner and open fire fuels will be banned, with plans to restrict sales of wet wood for domestic burning and apply sulphur and smoke emission limits to all solid fuels. Some coal sales may also be phased out.The move – combined with proposals to make farmers cut ammonia emissions and fertiliser use – may be seen by some as an attack on rural and Middle England, but … [Read more...] about The Yorkshire Post says: Burning issue of air pollution puts stoves ban in spotlight
Crouch End dad crowdfunding to launch new air pollution monitor for families
PUBLISHED: 17:26 07 December 2018 | UPDATED: 17:26 07 December 2018 Sam Volpe Chris Turner, with his new BREATHE Smart device. Picture: Chris Turner / Breathe Tech Archant A Crouch End inventor is crowdfunding to launch an innovative and wearable air pollution monitor inspired by his own worries as a new dad. Chris Turner, 37, has invented the BREATHE Smart Monitor, an air quality monitor which both shrinks existing technology so that it can be attached to – for example, a bike or a pram – and which works independently of a smartphone. Chris, 37, has a background in manufacturing and wanted to build a product that tackled an issue that troubled him.“I came to this as a parent concerned about air quality. We all worry about the effect it has on us, from if you’re walking with a pram, or perhaps out running on the roads on the way to a park or up to Alexandra Palace.” “I’m constantly concerned about the negative … [Read more...] about Crouch End dad crowdfunding to launch new air pollution monitor for families