Householders ‘must move away from solid fuel’
The latest report from the EPA shows that Ireland has good air quality compared to other EU countries but according to EPA director general Laura Burke, our standards are under threat.
The two main contributors to Irish air pollution are solid fuel and emissions from cars. Pollution from these sources is growing, especially during the winter.
Under EU legislation, Ireland is required to reduce exposure to fine particulate matter by 10% between 2012 and 2020. This reduction, known as the National Exposure Reduction Target, will require action across a number of sectors including industrial, transport and residential emissions.
In addition, the World Health Organisation has laid down more stringent guidelines for air quality, which may be adopted in our legislation in the future.
EPA air quality manager Barbara O’Leary said: “Ireland currently meets all EU standards for air quality but exceeds WHO air quality guidelines for particulate matter and must continue to implement and enforce the ban on bituminous coal.
“Households and businesses should also use more efficient methods to burn fuel and shift from solid fuel to cleaner alternatives, while also striving to reduce the demand for energy consumption.”
The research shows how levels of nitrogen oxides in city centre areas may also be a challenge in the future.
Ireland’s air quality has benefited from the country’s geographic position with prevailing winds coming from the Atlantic.
According to the EPA, our lack of large cities and clean and well-regulated industrial sector are also both contributing factors.
- Three-quarters of Irish people are aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning but nearly half say that the cost of servicing an oil or gas boiler has prevented them from carrying out this vital regular maintenance.
- New research shows one in three are aware that oil and gas burning can produce carbon monoxide while just one in four are aware that coal, kerosene and bottled gas can also produce carbon monoxide. Even charcoal, peat, turf, wood andwood pellets produce the poisonous gas when burned.
- On average, six people in Ireland die each year from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, according to figures from the HSE.
- Carbon monoxide is produced when carbon-based fuels do not have enough oxygen to burn completely.
- Prolonged exposure to the gas can cause illness and even death as when inhaled it reacts with blood preventing it from absorbing oxygen.
*Further information on Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week is available on www.carbonmonoxide.ie or by contacting 1850 797979.
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