Smoky coal — the dangers

PEOPLE out walking these evenings in areas where the ‘’smoky’’ coal ban does not apply, will know the air is anything but clean.

When the weather is calm, smog can settle over low-lying urban areas and your senses clearly remind you there’s pollution in the atmosphere.

The ban on smoky coal was first introduced in Dublin, in 1990, after severe episodes of winter smog. It proved effective in reducing smoke and sulphur dioxide levels and has since spread to almost 30 other areas.

Air quality monitoring by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows the air is cleaner in these areas. Little wonder there are regular calls for a national ban.

Burning smoky coal releases harmful particles and pollution into the air. This pollution poses extra dangers for people with asthma. According to the Asthma Society, the smoke causes worsening symptoms and increasing the risk of having an asthma attack. It also makes being outdoors a challenge for such people.

The society is calling for an all-island smoky coal ban. People living in small towns and rural areas are still forced to breathe in pollution caused by burning smoky coal.

‘’An all-island ban would help protect everyone from the harm caused by smoky coal, especially the one-in-five children with asthma and one-in-10 adults with asthma. Without an all-island ban the existing bans are difficult, if not impossible to police,’’ a spokesperson said.

Studies indicate that the ban in Dublin has resulted in over 350 fewer annual deaths. Also, householders have been encouraged to switch from using solid fuels, which generally are less efficient and more polluting, to gas and oil. The associated reduced fuel costs to consumers are estimated at €184m per year.

We’re also told that a bag of smokeless coal is up to 25% more heat-efficient that similarly-sized bag of smoky coal. And it is further claimed to last longer, with little soot and less ashes.

These’s a range of smokeless solid fuel products on the market which are more carbon and heat-efficient, with follow-on benefits for the air quality and human health. Under the regulations, all smokeless solid fuel products must be clearly labelled as ‘’smokeless fuel’’. This allows householders to make an informed choice concerning the products they purchase.

The regulations are enforced by local authorities which may inspect premises and vehicles being used for the sale and distribution of solid fuel. A local authority may bring a prosecution. Maximum fines have been increased to €5,000 and there are on-the-spot fines of €1,000.