|
CLEAN AIR FOR EUROPE The European Commission has announced a 3-year investigation into how air quality can be improved and pollution related health problems reduced. The 'Clean Air For Europe' (CAFE) Programme could lead to new legislation in 2004. Many of the existing air quality directives are due to be revised in 2004; the CAFE Programme will provide the framework for these new air quality standards and emission ceilings. In particular, the CAFE Programme will focus on fine particulate matter, ground level ozone, acidification and the over nutrification of watercourses. Source: Air Quality Management, June 2001;
The European Commission have set a date of 2011 for which 'zero' (i.e. less than 10ppm) sulphur in fuels will become mandatory. To support this, the EC will introduce sulphur free petrol and diesel into all member states by 2005. In addition to this, the European Commission are planning to introduce a proposal which will require oil companies to mix bio-fuel with petrol. The 'bio' percentage and the type of bio-fuel to be used are as yet undecided, but the intention is to lower carbon dioxide emissions from vehicles. Source: Planet Ark; EU Business.
Pollution in Delhi from motor vehicles is likely to worsen with current transport policies in the Indian megacity. Delhi is known to be a congested and polluted city which is experiencing population growth and dramatic increases in vehicle numbers. In Delhi, less than 5% of road space is used by buses, which carry more than 50% of the city's commuters. The roads are typically full of old, polluting cars, crowding out pedestrians and cyclists. Road traffic accidents account for an average of 4 deaths per day in Delhi, a large percentage of these being children. Road taxes in Delhi also encourage pollution. There is just a one-off road tax payable at the point of sale for private motor cars and no annual road tax fee or roadworthiness test. However, buses face an annual road tax of £14, 325 Indian rupees. Transport management could improve the situation in Delhi. It seems that the Government are however confused on such issues. On June 14th 2001, the Delhi government encouraged private bus operators to go for CNG fuel conversion, only a week after the chief transport minister declared that this was an unsafe option! Source: Science & Environment Fortnightly; The Times of India, New Delhi, June 14th 2001.
General Motors claim to have found a way to increase the driving range of hydrogen-based fuel-cell vehicles to 500km, tripling what was previously achievable. Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles do not emit harmful pollutants, water is the only by-product. One of the major hurdles for the manufacturers is the infrastructure for refuelling such vehicles. One possibility is to produce hydrogen on board from petrol. Vehicle emissions would still be very low because combustion would not be involved. General Motors aim to have a hydrogen fuel-cell prototype car available by 2002 with predictions of hundreds of thousands of fuel-cell vehicles in use by 2010. Source: MSNBC.
New American research suggests that ultra fine particles may trigger heart attacks. These tiny particles (PM2.5) are often derived from combustion processes and are therefore emitted from vehicles and industrial processes, rather than from agriculture or building work. These tiny particles can bypass the human defence system and penetrate deep into the lungs. The study in Boston was carried out on 772 heart attack patients in the Boston area. Detailed interviews of when the symptoms for each case began were compared with air pollution data. The research implies that the risk of heart attack was greater amongst those exposed to high levels of PM2.5 two hours before the onset of the heart attack. The research is currently being published in the 12 June edition of Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association. Source: EDIE.
New scientific research highlights more health issue links with incinerators, furthering calls to end waste incineration. The research involved a study of 200 17- year olds in Belgium, some living in areas polluted by incinerators and others in rural control areas. The research, currently being published in the medical journal, The Lancet, suggests that those living in the vicinity of incinerators had smaller sexual organs. Greenpeace have also recently published a comprehensive review of incineration and human health. Greenpeace suggest that people living around incinerators risk exposure of a range of toxic chemicals, including dioxins by breathing contaminated air, eating contaminated produce or by skin contact with contaminated soil. Source: e-volve.org.uk; EDIE.
In 2000, air pollution in urban areas fell to 16 days on average per site, compared with 30 days in 1999 and 23 days in 1998. The reason for the high figure of 1999 was due to high ozone levels, due in part to the warmer sunnier weather. Air pollution in rural areas fell from 48 days on average per site in 1999 to 25 in 2000. Air pollution at urban sites is caused by ozone, fine particles (PM10) and sulphur dioxide. Production of ozone is affected by the weather, which causes it to fluctuate. Since 1999, ozone has caused more days of poor air quality in urban areas than particles. Urban areas tend to have higher levels of oxides of nitrogen compared to rural areas, with the result that ozone concentrations recorded at urban sites are generally lower than at rural ones. The average number of days of pollution at urban sites caused by fine particles, solely or in combination with other pollutants, fell by about 85% to 6 days per year, between 1993 and 2000. The average number of polluted days caused by sulphur dioxide, solely or in combination, fell from 20 days in 1993 to less than one day in 2000. Particles come from numerous man made and natural sources, and can be generated in the UK and abroad. The different points in interpreting the indicators are:
The Air Quality Strategy targets for annual mean concentrations for particles and nitrogen dioxide (for 2004 and 2005 respectively) are currently exceeded in some urban areas. Source: DETR Press Release, May 4th, 2001.
Concerns have been raised about the health implications of burning large numbers of slaughtered animals as part of the foot and mouth disease cull. Levels of dioxins from incomplete burning of animal flesh are known to be potential sources of dioxin pollution. The animal pyres have largely been fuelled by railway sleepers, impregnated with creosote and tar. These are also potential sources of dioxin pollution. There have been dense smoke plumes from these fires, which have been in remote areas, away from urban monitoring equipment. Most UK rural monitoring is limited to ozone and hence particle pollution episodes have not been highlighted. The UK DETR has revealed that during the first six weeks of the UK foot and mouth crisis, burning animal carcasses has led to 63g of dioxin emissions being released into the atmosphere, 18% of UK annual average emissions. Source: Air Quality Management, April 2001.
The Expert Panel on Air Quality Standards has reviewed the measurement of particles for the UK. Measurement of particles at UK monitoring stations are those particles less than 10µm aerodynamic diameter, known as PM10. There has been controversy as to whether this is a suitable measurement or whether smaller particles, which may have more implications for health, should be measured, such as PM2.5. EPAQS have presented their findings in a new report Airborne Particles which concludes that, on present evidence, the PM10 measurement is the most appropriate basis for an Air Quality Standard in the UK, although the panel recommend that this should be kept under active review. Source: DETR Press Release, April 3rd, 2001; EPAQS, Airborne Particles, The Stationery Office, April 2000.
A task force team of international scientists has begun to target air pollution in Mexico City, one of the world's smoggiest cities. The team is led by Nobel research prize-winner Dr Mario Molina who has previously conducted research into CFCs and the destruction of the ozone layer. Mexico City has a major particulate problem. The city is situated in a basin, surrounded by high mountains and this, combined with a predominantly dry and sunny climate and a large number of vehicles and polluting industries gives Mexico it's reputation for poor air quality. Dr Molina has made a six-month plan with 71 recommendations as the first part of Proaire, a new governmental 10-year air quality programme. Key initiatives include reducing the amount of sulphur in gasoline, controlling diesel emissions and improving the monitoring of vehicle emissions. The measures will mean a dramatic overhaul of the city's transport system. Source: e-volve.org.uk
Beijing is among the finalists for holding the 2008 Olympic Games. The City has announced a $12.2 billion Green Olympics action plan to clean up Beijing's air, water, industry and solid waste. Plans to control air pollution include constructing long distance natural gas pipelines and storage tanks, converting small coal burning boilers and prohibiting any kind of burning in the open. Solar energy and geothermal energy technologies are also to be used to replace the need for burning coal. Beijing is also encouraging greater use of public transportation by expanding routes for subways and introducing dedicated highway lanes for high occupancy vehicles. Source: e-volve.org.uk
The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has called on Ken Livingston, London Mayor, to introduce hydrogen buses across London to reduce deaths from traffic pollution which now exceed the number of deaths by road accidents (see Atmospheric Issues, January 2001). Hamburg and Berlin have already introduced hydrogen buses into their fleets whilst Reykjavic in Iceland is attempting to convert all it's energy use to hydrogen power. It has outlined a gradual transition to hydrogen for the transport sector. Phase one consists of a $8 million (£5.6 million) project to demonstrate hydrogen fuel cells in 100 public transport buses, with three such buses in operation by 2002. The second phase will be to convert the entire bus fleet at a cost of $50 million (£35 million), followed by the conversion of private passenger cars in phase three. Source: e-volve.org.uk
Engineers from The University of Texas (UT) at the Austin College of Engineering and Ford Motor Company have patented a technology designed to reduce vehicle emissions by 50% or more. It is called the on-board distillation system and could potentially reduce all emissions from cars -- and, in particular, hydrocarbons -- by 80%. The procedure involves separating the molecules in the fuel that are easy to evaporate (those that are highly volatile) from all the other molecules. Then the highly volatile molecules are stored separately and used to start the car. The system will be trialled on a Ford 2001 Lincoln Navigator in UT Austin's mechanical engineering laboratories, where it will be refined until ready for mass production Source: e-volve.org.uk
The UK Transport Minister Keith Hill has recently announced that 44 tonne lorries will be allowed on British roads from 1 February 2001. This should reduce the number of lorry journeys made on our roads along with vehicle pollution. A report last year by the Commission for Integrated Transport (CfIT) recommended the introduction of 44 tonne, six axle lorries, citing clear environmental benefits. Their introduction could lead to an annual saving of up to 100 million lorry kilometres, equivalent to 1,000 fewer lorries on the road with considerable reductions in CO2 and other emissions. The Transport Minister also qualified this decision by stating that the new lorries will be heavier but not larger and will have less polluting Euro II standard engines. The new lorries will be no noisier and will have to meet the same stopping distance requirements as lighter vehicles. The 44 tonne lorries will also cause less wear to roads and bridges than the 40 tonne, five axle lorries permitted now because they have an extra axle and a lower maximum axle weight. Source: DETR Press Release, February 1st, 2001; e-volve.org.uk
A website can help you identify the quality of the air where you live. The Homecheck website is postcode driven and allows you to check information such as air quality, risk of flooding, subsidence and landslide, proximity to landfill sites and radon risk. The information provided is free-of-charge at www.homecheck.co.uk. Source: Air Quality Management, November 2000.
A report commissioned by the Department of Health identifies air pollution in London as a greater risk to health than road traffic accidents. The report On the Move suggests that 380 deaths are caused per year by traffic-related pollution, (respiratory diseases and cancer) in London, compared to 226 deaths by road accidents (1998). Source: UK Department of Health; Air Quality Management, November 2000.
The City Council of Birmingham has decided not to declare an air quality management area (AQMA), in the belief that it will meet air quality objectives. Most other urban areas are declaring AQMAs, making Birmingham as the second largest UK city, the exception to the rule. Most authorities have used dispersion modelling as the basis for their declarations; Birmingham has used computer models and historical data collected from a large number of monitoring stations. Current monitoring shows that the 2003/5 limits for seven air pollutants are already being met, although occasionally nitrogen dioxide limits are exceeded near busy roads. Existing trends and forecasts suggest that these levels will fall below 2005 limits. Source: Air Quality Management, November 2000.
The Supreme Court recently ruled that factories in residential areas of New Delhi, India, be shut down on the grounds of pollution. Delhi is one of the most polluted mega-cities in the world. The government however had to back down on strict anti-pollution policy when thousands of factory workers took to the streets, leading to violence, building damage and at least 2 deaths. It now looks as though 60% of the factories originally facing closure will remain open. Source: BBC News, November 27th 2000; http://www.e-volve.org.uk/articles.asp?ID=845
The Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, announced at the recent climate conference in The Hague, that an extra £69 million would be given to help tackle air pollution and promote cleaner, more fuel efficient cars. £30 million will be given to the UK Powershift Programme (see Atm. Issues, Sept. 2000 and www.est-powershift.org.uk), £30 million will be used to expand the Cleaner Vehicles Programme, particularly aimed at cutting urban air pollution and the remaining £9 million will be used to support new technologies such as fuel cells and hybrid vehicles. Source: http://www.e-volve.org.uk/articles.asp?ID=813
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has expressed concern that as many as one billion people are exposed to levels of indoor air pollution, which exceed guidelines by up to 100 times. A database of the health effects of air pollution is to be set up by WHO in an attempt to help reduce the number of deaths which can be attributed to indoor or outdoor air pollution. The main indoor air pollutants occur from burning solid fuels, poor ventilation and inefficient burning of heaters and stoves. The database will help to highlight hotspots of health-threatening air pollution levels and those most at risk. Source: Air Quality Management, October 2000.
The BBC has introduced a new service to report on levels of air pollution. The adopted system is a 1-10 indicator, which relates to risk to human health, 10 being a very high risk. This new system is similar to the sun exposure index, which is also used by the BBC alongside their weather forecasting service. The new index will provide three-day forecasts for 105 towns and will be available on page 417 of the BBC Ceefax service. The BBC Internet weather service will also provide details of the air quality indicators. Sources: BBC online & Air Quality Management, October 2000.
The fourth Air Quality Management Area has been declared by Croydon, following Westminster, Neath Port Talbot and Southwark. The City of London is expected to be the next to be declared. Deadlines for declaring AQMAs are fast approaching and therefore more declarations are expected. However, some authorities are already known to be way behind in their reviews and assessments, which will mean a delay in the declaration of some AQMAs. Source: Air Quality Management, October 2000
A recent study conducted by Brazilian researchers, concentrating on the impacts of air pollution on children in developing countries, shows that there is an increase in respiratory diseases in children linked with poor air quality in developing countries. The study, published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine (vol. 57), found that the number of admissions to hospitals for children with respiratory problems and pneumonia for those under five years old increases when the concentrations of air pollution are high. Nevertheless, the impacts are less than those found in developed regions, such as the US and Europe. However, considering that the population is denser in the metropolis of developing countries (for example Sao Paulo, Brazil), it implies that a larger number of people are affected by the air pollution. Source: Air Quality Management, October 2000
The Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA), an executive agency of the UK Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR), has introduced a new interactive website, which will give the opportunity to motorists and future car buyers to obtain complete environmental information about new cars on sale in the UK. With this new website, new car buyers now have the possibility to buy a car and know what kind of impacts it will have on the environment. Available information will include carbon dioxide emissions, regulated air pollutants and noise for every new car model being sold over the next six months. The website can be accessed through: http://www.vca.gov.uk. Source: Air Quality Management, October 2000
The Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollution Control (COMEAP) has produced official guidance aimed at informing the public on the effects of air pollution. The advice intends to dispel common myths about air pollution. COMEAP states that long term exposure to air pollution is unlikely to be the cause of increasing numbers of asthma sufferers but that air pollution probably shortens life expectancy by as much as one year. Air pollution is of less concern however than a number of other factors such as smoking, eating a poor diet and lack of exercise. COMEAP also highlight that those with heart or lung disease can have their condition worsened by air pollution and that air pollution can aggravate asthma, but does not appear to be a causal factor. Advice given by COMEAP states that people can improve the air in their homes by not smoking; maintaining heating appliances and ensuring adequate ventilation. Other advice offered includes: minimising exposure when air pollution levels are high by avoiding vigorous exercise and busy roads; using vehicles less; not smoking and eating a healthy diet. Source: Air Quality Management, August 2000; Department of Health COMEAP
Westminster City Council in London has produced an air quality action plan, following its declaration of the whole borough as an Air Quality Management Area. Plans to clean the air in Westminster include the creation of a low emission zone which will prevent certain diesel trucks from entering the zone. Only diesel trucks and buses which meet Euro 3 standards would be allowed to travel through the area specified. Westminster have declared the whole borough an AQMA although given the relaxation of the particles objective in the latest Air Quality Strategy, many parts of Westminster are not likely to exceed nitrogen dioxide or particulate standards. However, Westminster City Council wishes to go beyond the guidelines on the basis of occupational exposure, for example those working outdoors, bus and taxi drivers or those working in offices along busy roads. The consultation document on Westminster City Council's air quality action plan is available for £10 from Sylvia Joseph (Tel: 020 7461 5976). Source: Air Quality Management, August 2000
EXPERT PANEL REPORT ON PM10 MEASUREMENT The Expert Panel on Air Quality Standards (EPAQS) have produced their draft report on measuring airborne particles. Back in 1995 EPAQS recommended a standard for particulates of 50µgm-3 as a running 24-hour average. In the review of the National Air Quality Strategy earlier this year, this was changed to allow up to 35 exceedences of the fixed 24-hour mean per year. The Government also requested that EPAQS investigate whether PM2.5 might be a more suitable measurement based on emerging evidence that the finer particles are mostly responsible for harmful effects on health. The draft EPAQS report concludes that ‘the control of particulate air pollution by measurement of PM10 provides adequate protection of the health of the public’. EPAQS also note that there are likely to be advantages in using a measure more representative of the toxic component of particulate aerosols in the future. The full report is available at: http://www.environment.detr.gov.uk/airq/aqs/index.htm Source: DETR Main menu | Home
"MOTORVATE" LAUNCHED BY TRANSPORT MINISTER Lord Macdonald, Minister for Transport has launched a new scheme called "Motorvate" which is designed to help British businesses cut fuel costs and improve the environment. Motorvate is aimed at helping company fleet managers to improve fuel efficiency of company cars and vans by running greener and cleaner vehicles. Companies and organisations who join Motorvate will receive advice from energy, transport and environmental experts. One of the first fleets to sign up is the Department of Social Security. Others include the RAC, BBC, Lex Vehicle Leasing, Suffolk Fire Brigade and Whitbread plc. A Government report by the Cleaner Vehicles Task Force has also been published which centres on providing practical solutions to encourage the use of cleaner, more fuel-efficient cars. Source: DETR Press Release, 6 June 2000; The Report of the Alternative Fuels Group of the Cleaner Vehicles Task Force, June 2000 (available from http://www.autoindustry.co.uk) Main menu | Home
AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT AREAS LIKELY TO EXCEED 100 Rupert Furness from the DETR recently told delegates at an air pollution conference that there are likely to be far more Air Quality Management Areas declared than were originally expected. One of these AQMAs has been declared by Neath Port Talbot Borough Council, based on particle exceedences from Port Talbot steelworks. The 24-hour mean objective for PM10 is predicted to be exceeded 60 times per year, mainly due to southwesterly winds blowing particles from the steelworks to residential areas. In the Manchester region, local authorities are presently considering declaring the whole borough as an AQMA. This would cover the whole area inside the M60 orbital motorway. However, a decision needs the approval of all local authorities concerned and hence a decision is not likely until early 2001. Source: Air Quality Management, June 2000 Main menu | Home
IPPC PREPARATIONS CONTINUE The Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Directive (EC/61/96) is to be implemented in all EU Member States from the end of October 1999 (now delayed to July 2000). It is being introduced across Europe to improve the standard of environmental protection. Draft guidance and application forms have been issued by the Environment Agency for the new IPPC regulations which are due to be introduced this month (July). The new regulations will not only cover emissions to the air, water and land but will also include noise, energy efficiency, site protection and environmental accidents. The following principles are to be applied by industrial operators:
The draft guidance and application forms are available for consultation on the Environment Agency website: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/ Source: Environment Agency; ENDS Report, May 2000; Air Quality Management, June 2000. Main menu | Home
PARTICULATE EPISODES FROM SAHARAN & VOLCANIC DUST Several particulate (PM10) monitors recorded exceedences of the 50µg/m3 target throughout the UK during early March 2000. The Sources of these episodes have been identified as dust blown from the North African Saharan desert and from the Icelandic Hekla volcanic eruption. PM2.5 monitors were expected to register these particles, but not the PM10 monitors which record coarser particles. The Expert Panel of Air Quality Scientists (EPAQS) are currently considering whether to introduce PM2.5 for air quality standards, as in the United States. Fine particles are known to be more problematic for human health than coarser particles because they can enter deep into the lungs. The maximum hourly concentration was recorded at Plymouth (290µgm-3); Port Talbot also monitored several exceedences on March 3rd. At many sites, this natural particulate episode accounts for 5 of the 35 exceedences allowed in the new Air Quality Strategy objectives for PM10 thus in some way justifying the relaxation of the target which previously allowed only 4 exceedences per year. Source: Air Quality Management, April 2000; NETCEN Main menu | Home
RESEARCH LINKS PARTICLES FROM POWER LINES TO CANCER Researchers at Bristol University have identified that radiation from overhead high voltage power lines can increase exposure to particles. The corona ions emitted by power lines may attach to larger particles which can enter the lungs and lodge there as charged particles. Health effects including leukaemia have been linked to living near electromagnetic sources, although a causal link had not been identified. The findings from Bristol may provide some links. A further study by the same team conducted experiments on crude model heads (earthed metal spheres) which were placed under electricity pylons. These showed an increase in particle deposition of 1.5 to 3 times. The particles contained radon thus also suggesting the possibility of increased risk of skin cancer for those living near power lines. For further information contact Professor Henshaw at Bristol University (0117 926 0353). Source: Bristol University; Air Quality Management, April 2000. Main menu | Home
BROWN’S BUDGET IMPACTS AIR QUALITY In March's Budget the Chancellor, Gordon Brown, announced several measures which should help to improve air quality. These are summarised below:
Source: Air Quality Management, April 2000; BBC website Main menu | Home
CUTTING AIR POLLUTION EMISSIONS IN WESTMINSTER Westminster City Council in London has decided to concentrate on cutting emissions from heavy trucks and buses rather than cars in an attempt to improve air quality. Westminster proposes to cut emissions from heavy duty vehicles by setting up low emission zones. These may ban trucks unless they have a permit to confirm their vehicle meets Euro 2 emission standards or better. Source: Air Quality Management, April 2000. Main menu | Home
EU OZONE REMAINS POOR The 1998 and 1999 annual ground level ozone reports for the European Commission show no overall reduction in the exposure of the population or ecosystems to ozone. The reports identified that levels of ozone measured at most of the 1400 monitoring sites remain well above the ceilings set by the European Council’s Framework Directive on ozone (Directive 92/72/EC). During 1998, the warning level (360µgm-3) was exceeded by eight monitoring stations in Greece, Italy and France. In 1999, the warning level was not exceeded but the level for informing the population (180µgm-3) was exceeded by all EU members except Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Ireland. In Italy, France, Spain and Greece, this level remained for prolonged periods (40 to 60 days). The vegetation protection limit of 200µgm-3 was exceeded for more than 200 days at 94 monitoring stations, representing 13 Member States. Source: AECC newsletter Jan-Feb 2000. Main menu | Home
NEW AIR QUALITY STRATEGY TO START THE CENTURY Environment Minister Michael Meacher launched the new Air Quality Strategy on 19th January to start the new century. "Levels of key air pollutants in United Kingdom towns and cities should fall dramatically over the next five years and road traffic pollution will be more than halved over the coming decade" stated Mr Meacher. He also added that " the air that we breathe is steadily getting cleaner, although figures can vary reflecting different weather patterns". The Strategy is part of the government's overall aim to improve the quality of life for people in the UK. It focuses on the most common pollutants in the air which affect our health, our plant life and buildings. The first National Air Quality Strategy was published in March 1997 but since then, reviews of the objectives have led to the publication of the January 2000 Air Quality Strategy. The objectives in this latest Strategy remain the same as in the consultation document (August 1999). The new objectives can be found at the DETR website Compared to the original Air Quality Strategy objectives (1997), the following changes in the new Strategy are highlighted below:
Friends of the Earth has accused the government of ‘moving the goalposts’ concerning particles, and are critical over the relaxation of this target, claiming that particles cause over 8,000 premature deaths every year in the UK . The new particles objective is now likely to be widely met in urban areas throughout the UK. The tougher NO2 objective is now likely to cause the widest concern because it is vastly generated in urban areas from road traffic. It is now NO2 rather than particles that is likely to lead to Air Quality Management Areas being set up by local authorities in urban areas. The National Air Quality Strategy is available from The Stationery Office, price £20. It can also be freely downloaded from the DETR website: http://www.environment.detr.gov.uk/airquality/index.htm Source: DETR & Friends of the Earth Press Releases 19 Jan 2000, Air Quality Management, January 2000. Main menu | Home
NEW POWER STATION EMISSION LEVELS ANNOUNCED The Environment Agency has announced its decision on the control of air pollution from coal- and oil-fired power stations in England and Wales. Power stations are the major source of UK sulphur dioxide and they also contribute significantly to nitrogen oxide emissions. The Environment Agency state that they have aimed to create a solution that encourages operators to install and use Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) technology to neutralise acid emissions and therefore protect the environment.
Further details of the Environment Agency’s new emission levels for power stations can be found on their website at: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk//modules/MOD44.1553.html Source: Environment Agency Press Release 21 Dec 1999, Air Quality Management, January 2000. Main menu | Home
The DETR are allowing local authorities a further six months to declare ‘air quality management areas’, as required by the current air quality review and assessment process which is part of the UK National Air Quality Strategy. The review and assessment process is now behind schedule; local authorities have been given until the end of June 2000 to designate air quality management areas. Source: Local Transport Today, 2 December 1999. Main menu | Home
LONDON TAXI SHARE SUCCESS In October 1998, a taxi share scheme was started outside Paddington station. Shorter waiting times and lower fares were offered to those waiting for a taxi. The scheme is believed to have saved more than 150 000 taxi miles. Source: Local Transport Today, 2 December 1999 Main menu | Home
FIRST PLANNING REFUSAL ON AIR QUALITY GROUNDS Planning permission to designate an area of land for housing has been refused by a planning inspector. The land concerned at Heath Park Woods is situated close to the M3 motorway in Surrey and plans were to reserve the site for 180 houses. However, the planning inspector chose to reject the plans on the grounds of air pollution. The land either side of the M3 currently breaches air quality standards for particles and nitrogen dioxide. Since January 1998, nitrogen dioxide levels have been rising at this site and the inspector stated that it would be ‘unwise to assume’ that levels would fall to within the National Air Quality Strategy, particularly if motorway traffic were to increase. The case is believed to be the first that has used air pollution as the main reason for refusing planning permission. Source: Air Quality Management, November 1999; Local Transport Today, 2 December 1999 Main menu | Home
PETROL COSTS WORRY MOTORISTS A survey by the AA on public motoring concerns has revealed that the British public are most concerned about rising fuel costs. Low on the list of concerns are safety and environmental impacts of vehicles. The study of 4000 drivers also revealed that the other main causes of concern are fuel tax and investment in roads. Contact the AA Motoring Policy Unit for more information (Tel: 01256 493014). Source: Local Transport Today, 2 December 1999. Main menu | Home
MANY OF THE WORLDS CHILDREN THREATENED BY AIR POLLUTION The World Resources Institute (WRI) has produced a report stating that millions of the worlds' children are being exposed to seriously high concentrations of air pollution. Children living in large cities, especially in developing countries, are facing regular exposure to air pollution levels that are two to eight times higher than the maximum exposure levels set by the World Health Organisation.
Due to these pollution levels, more than 80% of deaths related to respiratory diseases occurring in developing nations, occur among children under the age of five. Furthermore, air pollution is responsible for 50 million cases of chronic cough in children under fourteen. These figures are even more serious when you consider that 85% of all children under the age of fifteen reside in developing countries, and half of them in cities. The WRI is attempting to identify regions where the risks are greatest, developing environmental health indicators to rank countries and cities where the greatest numbers of children are threatened by poor air quality. The WRI has also highlighted the need for stricter standards, with more efficient use of energy, stricter standards for vehicles, and better traffic management. The WRI’s Urban Air Pollution Risks to Children: A Global Environmental Health Indicator, is available from the WRI website: Source: Swedish NGO Secretariat on Acid Rain Main menu | Home
ROAD PRICING MAY START IN 2003 Electronic charging for road users may be in place in 2003 if the DETR give their approval. A report by The Smith Group and the Adam Smith Institute entitled Clearing the Way: Practical Solutions for Urban Road User Charging suggests that the most effective method is up-front cash for congestion charging. The report is available from The Smith Group (Tel: 01483 442000), price £95. Source: Local Transport Today, 2 December 1999 Main menu | Home
LARGE NUMBER OF AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT AREAS EXPECTED A study by the University of the West of England suggests that nearly half of local authorities will declare Air Quality Management Areas following the current reviews and assessments which are being carried out as part of the National Air Quality Strategy. For most authorities which will declare an Air Quality Management Area, the problem pollutants are nitrogen dioxide and particulates. A small number of authorities have problems with sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide and lead whilst no authorities expect to breach the standards for benzene and 1,3 butadiene. Once, an Air Quality Management Area has been declared, the next stage involves preparing an action plan to improve air quality. With most of the problem pollutants being traffic generated, these are likely to include initiatives such as low emission zones. The study also highlights the growing number of authorities that are carrying out their own monitoring with many more also planning to do so. Similarly, the number of local authorities using air pollution computer models is also increasing rapidly. The most popular model being used is ADMS-Urban, offered by CERC. Source: Air Quality Management, November 1999. Main menu | Home |
AIR POLLUTION ISSUES |