Air pollution problems highest in small towns

AIR pollution is highest in small towns around Ireland that have not yet banned smoky fuels, according to figures released yesterday.

Traffic and non-smokeless coal are the two main causes of air pollution in Ireland, particularly in urban areas, and the public should consider environmental issues in their choice of fuels, says the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

While overall air quality throughout the country remains “good”, according to the EPA’s report for 2006, levels of “particulate matter” — solid pollutants caused by the burning of fuels as well as dust, wind-borne sea salt and industrial emissions — are highest in small towns because of “limited use” of smokeless fuel.