Spike in air pollution in Cork City in recent days as households light fires as temperatures fall

Up to 100 premature deaths a year in Cork City caused by air pollutants, expert says

Heating techniques such as fires and stoves are prime contributors to bad air quality. Picture: Des Barry

Cork City’s air pollution is causing up to 100 premature deaths each year, according to a UCC air quality and atmospheric scientist.

Dr Dean Venables described the health effects of poor air quality as “enormous,” saying air pollution is the number one environmental cause of death and described Cork’s recent high numbers as “very poor”.