Also discussed here: Concern over traffic emissions (Eoin Burke-Kennedy, Irish Times, Sep. 22, 2011)
And here: Real-Time Air Quality Monitoring Network for Ireland
And here: Dublin air quality monitoring network
Today we review a report from the Environmental Protection Agency of Ireland which notes concern about NO2 and particulate emissions from vehicle emissions and the burning of coal to heat homes. While the latter is being addressed by a ban on dirty coal, traffic in Dublin and Cork remains a problem.
Key Quotes:
“while air quality across the country complied with EU standards, there remained a concern about the levels of nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter from traffic in the urban centres of Dublin and Cork”
“air quality in smaller towns was most affected by pollution from particulate matter emanating from the domestic fuel use, mainly the burning of bituminous or smoky coal for home heating.. new regulations will require all bituminous coal placed on the Irish market for residential use to have a sulphur content of no more than 0.7 per cent”
“we must also work to reduce traffic emissions through reducing travel demand, emphasising sustainable transport modes such as cycling, walking and public transport and improving the efficiency of motorised transport,"
“levels of particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) continue to remain of concern and levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are a possible concern for the future in some areas. PAH arise from domestic fuel burning and vehicle exhaust emissions. Traffic is the primary source of nitrogen dioxide and is also one of the main sources of particulate matter”
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- EPA Statement on Health Impacts from Roadside NO2 Emissions (pollutionfree.wordpress.com)
- Wash. to end vehicle emissions tests by 2020 (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
- Calif. must lead on emissions standards (politico.com)
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- Success means Washington's vehicle-emission testing will be phased out (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
- EPA: N.E. air quality improved in 2011 (boston.com)
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- Sean Kay: Ireland Remains at Heart of Eurozone Trouble (huffingtonpost.com)
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