Irish Times journalist Kevin O'Sullivan reports that the Irish Environmental Protection Agency advises using less solid fuel to heat homes and reducing use of cars if Ireland is to meet World Health Organization pollution guidelines.
In a nutshell:
Air quality in Ireland is generally good, but localized areas of highly damaging fine particulate pollution pose significant threats to public health, warns the Environmental Protection Agency. While Ireland met European Union air quality limits in 2022, it fell short of more stringent World Health Organization guidelines for pollutants like particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide. Solid fuel burning and heavy traffic in cities are the main culprits, resulting in an estimated 1,300 premature deaths annually due to PM2.5 exposure. Urgent measures, including cleaner fuel usage and reduced car reliance, are recommended to align with WHO standards and improve air quality.
Key quote:
EPA program manager Pat Byrne said: “We can have immediate impacts on our local air quality by making changes in how we heat our homes and finding alternative ways to travel. These [are] actions which also have positive climate impacts.”
The big picture:
Particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide pollution pose significant health and environmental risks. PM, particularly PM2.5, consists of tiny particles mainly from fossil fuel combustion that can enter the bloodstream, affecting various organs. Exposure to high levels of PM is linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and can lead to premature death. Meanwhile, NO2, primarily from traffic emissions, contributes to respiratory problems and exacerbates conditions like asthma. These pollutants also harm the environment, contributing to smog formation, acid rain and damage to ecosystems, emphasizing the pressing need for cleaner urban air quality.
Read the article at the Irish Times.
Did you know that air pollution can cancel out the health benefits of a stroll in the city? Read Brian Bienkowski's EHN piece for more.
