Jean Lambert, London’s Green Party MEP, has expressed concern over the health implications, particularly for children and those with existing breathing problems, of the first predicted summer smogs.
The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) issued the warning yesterday that the current hot weather is likely to lead to the first summer smog episode of the year. Moderate ozone levels have been recorded across the UK, but weather conditions suggest ozone concentrations will reach high pollution levels. [1]
Jean has worked extensively to raise awareness of the air pollution crisis London faces, and has challenged the Government over its failure to act on this issue. [2] Today, she said:
"While the warning from Defra alerts us to smogs in rural areas, we must remember that air pollution in London is already at dangerously high levels.
"It’s been great to see Londoners out enjoying the sunshine over the past few days, and we’d all love to see a long hot summer. But we must be alert to the health implications. The levels of particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide in London have been far exceeding EU limits specifically designed to protect human health for years.
"Only a fortnight ago new figures based on EU research revealed that 4,400 Londoners die every year as a result of the terrible air quality in this city – that’s more than four times previous estimates from the Mayor of London. [3] Smog should be a thing of the past: I hope Defra’s warning proves stark enough for the Government to take decisive action on this issue at last."
Defra is urging the public to take measures which can help to reduce pollution and Jean is calling on the Mayor to do the same:
"I hope this warning will encourage the Mayor to heed Green calls for serious investment in infrastructure across the capital to increase walking and cycling and reduce traffic and harmful emissions."
ENDS
Notes
[1] Ground level ozone is formed when sunlight acts on nitrogen dioxide and other atmospheric substances close to the ground. The pollutants that cause ground level ozone come from a range of sources, including petrol and other fuels. For the full warning from Defra, plus further advice, visit
http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2009/090601a.htm
[2] For more information on Jean’s work on air quality, see
http://www.jeanlambertmep.org.uk/issue_detail.php?T=S&id=57> &id=57