UK air pollution could cost £300m

Timon Singh

Despite renewable energy initiatives and pledges from the past Labour government and the new coalition government, the UK air pollution levels are still dangerously high.

So high in fact, that the European Commission has threatened to take the UK to the European Court of Justice over air quality breaches. If found guilty, the UK could be fined as much as £300 million.

The declaration from Brussels comes after the UK government allegedly received a second and "final" warning from the commission after the levels of dangerous airborne particles, or PM10s, in London exceeded EU limits. The EU set a deadline for the number of PM10s to be reduced in 2008, but the UK failed to achieve the set targets.

In a statement, EU environment commissioner Janez Potocnik said, "Air pollution is bad for our health. It reduces human life expectancy by more than eight months on average and by more than two years in the most polluted cities and regions."

"Member States must comply with EU air quality standards quickly and reduce air pollutant emissions."

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While most of the UK air pollution is in line with EU levels, London regularly exceeds limits, as does Gibraltar, due to heavy levels of road transport and industry.

Despite pledges by the UK to get their air pollution levels in line by 2011, Brussels is unconvinced that the country will meet the deadline.

"It's disappointing that the commission has felt it necessary to issue a second and final written warning," said a spokesperson for the UK's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

"As the commission is currently assessing the UK's request for additional time to meet the limit value in London, and has nine months to do so, it is difficult to see what further action the commission expects the UK to take."

"We remain confident that the evidence presented should satisfy the Commission. Furthermore, the Mayor of London has committed to applying targeted measures at priority locations if necessary."

Indeed, the office of the Mayor of London has been quick to respond, with a spokesman saying, "'The government made a submission to the European Commission last year seeking additional time to meet limit values.

"Since then the Mayor has published an air quality strategy and the government has re-submitted additional information to the Commission.

"We are therefore confident that these developments will address the concerns that triggered this legal action. London is well on track to meet and exceed these values by 2011."

Health concerns

According to research from Monash University in Melbourne, an increase in PM10s in the air can increase the chances of people suffering heart attacks.

The particulate matter, that can include specks of soot, dust, and other pollutants are inhaled into the lungs where they have been found to 'consistently' cause an increase in heart disease and clogged arteries.

It is believed that these particles, that are smaller than 10 micrometers across, are responsible for 4,300 deaths in London alone.

Despite initiatives such as hydrogen-run buses and other renewable schemes, it seems that for the country, especially London, not enough is being done to combat UK air pollution.

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