Air pollution levels going down, but more work needed
Research by scientists showing that air pollution levels in the UK have dropped by a third in the last ten years is very good news, says Midlands green energy expert Ron Fox.
Experts at the University of Reading reported that progress has made on air quality in Britain after a reduction in car emissions, but added that there was still a long way to go.
They warn that high levels of pollution from such gases as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon monoxide which cause air pollution, are still reached too often. They point out that target limits set by the World Health Organisation (WHO) are regularly being exceeded in our country.
After measuring pollution at more than 500 sites across the UK they found that levels of nitrogen dioxide, which is mainly produced by petrol cars, buses, lorries and other traffic, had dropped by 35 per cent on average.
Also, the average number of days each year when nitrogen dioxide exceeded WHO targets fell from 136 to 40 days and the number of fine particles in the air, which are so small that they can be inhaled and cause serious health problems such as asthma, had gone down by 30 per cent.
These air toxic pollutants include benzene, toluene, and xylenes, found in gasoline; formaldehyde from the combustion of fossil fuels; and ethyl benzene used as a solvent by various industries.
NO2 levels are now falling due to the move over to electric cars, more efficient petrol engines and clean air zones in Birmingham, London, Glasgow and elsewhere.
“Pollution from traffic is getting better, but we need both local and international action to keep improving on these WHO targets and all types of pollution,” said Ron, of Noreus Ltd on the University of Keele Science and Innovation Park.
He pointed out that householders can do something about cutting the pollution in our homes where we spend most of our time, but which are not always the healthiest of places.
Older properties often lack adequate energy efficiency measures while poor ventilation and air flow means that our indoor environment can become a trap for potentially health-damaging pollutants.
He said the vision at Noreus is to help create a healthier home.
“Not only do we provide money-saving solutions to improve energy efficiency, but our environmentally-friendly products often have the added benefit of supporting a healthier home”.
“This includes our advanced solar aerovoltaic system,” added Ron. “Not only does this brilliantly innovative solution provide a source of green electricity, but it also works as a filter to purify the air inside a building.”
Our range of services include:
- Indoor air quality testing
- Ventilation for homes and business to ensure the flow of fresh, healthy air
- Green heating solutions (to provide perfect temperature control in the home)
- Argon-filled windows
- Energy-efficiency measures including spray foam insulation
For those wanting more advice about how to cut air pollution in the home, call Ron on 0845 474 6641 or contact us here.
Caption: Going in the right direction – air pollution levels are falling.
