Londoners Magazine A breath of fetid air
By Kate Livesey • Jun 20th, 2008 • Category: NewsIt was revealed today that the Government has failed to reduce the levels of potentially lethal air pollution. A group of MP’s say the pollution levels in areas of central London exceed EU recommendations by 100 per cent.
10 areas including King’s Cross, Holborn, Bloomsbury and the West End were cited as having the highest levels of pollution. Another 63 areas exceeded the recommended limits by up to 25 per cent.
The report, issued by the Commons transport committee, found that that targets for nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and particulates (PM10s) were missed; in some cases, levels were actually rising.
It further added that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs was failing to meet air quality targets, particularly in London.
It is believed that high pollution levels have contributed significantly to an increase in respiratory disorders. PM10’s alone are thought to be the cause of an additional 8,100 deaths and 10,500 additional hospital admissions each year.
The report may assist Boris Johnson in his call to put a kibosh on the planned increase of low-level flights over London, and bolster support for his Heathrow on Thames estuary proposal.
Kate Livesey is our premier brain on vodcasting. She's a tough talking New Yorker, with knee high boots and enormous sunglasses. She finds English men "intriguing".
Favourite place in London: The Great Court at the British Museum.
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