In the light of new research into air pollution across London, Jean Lambert, London’s Green Party MEP, today slammed Government plans to delay meeting new EU air quality targets 1. Many sites in London are frequently exceeding current standards, but instead of tackling the problem the Government is planning to seek derogations from the EU Air Quality Directive standards.
"Over 1000 people die prematurely every year in London as a result of poor air quality, far more than die in traffic accidents. Air pollution is the invisible urban killer and the Government should be doing everything possible to clean up the air we breathe," said Ms Lambert 2.
At all but one of the 47 monitoring stations across London the level of nitrogen dioxide, NO2, consistently exceeds current air quality standards 3 and the level of PM10 particulate matter is exceeding current standards at 6 sites 4.
Yet this week, the Green Party MEP for London received confirmation from the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs that the Government is likely to seek extended compliance deadlines for the pollutants NO2 and PM10, which have grave impacts on human health. If the European Commission approves the Government’s request to delay it would allow a further five years from 2010 for compliance.
Jean Lambert continued:
"I am very concerned that London’s air quality is already falling below EU standards and if the Government is successful in seeking derogations from the new standards it will take the UK further away from meeting its obligations.
"Poor air quality presents a major threat to public health and it is imperative that the Government commits to fully comply with the new EU Air Quality Directive standards as early as possible."
She added:
"The area around Heathrow is also a hot spot and consistently fails current air quality standards. The UK Government has no current action plan for addressing non-compliance and any increase in air and road traffic will simply intensify the problem and cause greater health problems for local residents."
Notes to Editors
1 The EU Air Quality Directive
The Air Quality Directive came into force on 11 June 2008. It requires Member States to reduce exposure to nitrogen dioxide in urban areas. The limit value of 40 ug/m3 should be achieved by January 2010. Member States may seek a five-year extension to this deadline but will have to meet specific criteria for derogation to be allowed.
The standards for NO2 and PM10 will remain the same as current standards, but the rules will be extended to cover fine particles (PM2.5), a pollutant with serious health consequences.
2 Health impacts of NO2 and PM10
Air pollution has impacts on human health ranging from minor effects on the respiratory system to reduced lung function, asthma, chronic bronchitis, cardiovascular disease and reduced life expectancy.
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3) and particles (PM10 and PM2.5) are the main air pollutants of note in the UK. Of these, particles are the largest threat to human health they are through to take an average of 8 months off the life expectancy of the average EU citizen (European Environment Agency), and to have been responsible for over 1, 000 premature deaths in London alone during 2005 (GLA estimate).
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) – A respiratory irritant
Particles (PM10 and PM2.5) – Long-term exposure to particles (especially PM2.5) is associated with premature mortality, especially from heart and lung conditions. Recent studies have also suggested that high levels of PM2.5 in childhood can permanently impair lung function. High levels of particles can affect asthma sufferers.
3 Twenty worst sites in London for Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) pollution, all exceeding current air pollution standard of 40 ug/m3
Average levels of NO2 recorded so far in 2008
1. LambethBrixton Road monitoring station221 ug/m3
2. Kensington & ChelseaEarl’s Court Road monitoring station117 ug/m3
3. WestminsterMarylebone Road / Baker Street monitoring site108 ug/m3
4. Kensington & ChelseaKnightsbridge monitoring station105 ug/m3
5. Kensington & Chelsea King’s Road monitoring station96 ug/m3
6. Lambeth Vauxhall Cross monitoring station85 ug/m3
7. Camden Shaftesbury Avenue monitoring station83 ug/m3
8. Sutton Wallington monitoring station79 ug/m3
9. Camden Swiss Cottage monitoring station77 ug/m3
10. Hounslow Chiswick High Road monitoring station73 ug/m3
11. Hammersmith & Fulham Broadway monitoring station73 ug/m3
12. Tower HamletsMile End Road monitoring station69 ug/m3
13. Greenwich Woolwich Flyover monitoring station69 ug/m3
14. BarnetTally Ho monitoring station 66 ug/m3
15. IslingtonHolloway Road monitoring station66 ug/m3
16. Tower HamletsBlackwall monitoring station63 ug/m3
17. Hackney Old Street monitoring station62 ug/m3
18. HounslowBrentford monitoring station62 ug/m3
19. Lewisham New Cross monitoring station61 ug/m3
20. Lambeth Christchurch Road monitoring station60 ug/m3
4 Six worst sites for PM10 particulate matter, all exceeding current standard of 40 ug/m3
Average levels of PM10 recorded so far in 2008
1. LambethVauxhall Cross monitoring station61 ug/m3
2. GreenwichWoolwich Flyover monitoring station54 ug/m3
3. BexleyErith monitoring station49 ug/m3
4. BrentNeasden Lane monitoring station48 ug/m3
5. WestminsterMarylebone Road / Baker Street monitoring site47 ug/m3
6. HounslowBrentford monitoring station41 ug/m3