The revised Environment Bill.

[2greys]

On the issue of air pollution, Dr Alison Cook from the British Lung Foundation, said: “This Bill is a step in the right direction and we welcome the commitment to set legally binding targets on air pollution, including PM2.5 which is the most dangerous form of pollution to human health.”

“We now need to see a firm commitment from government that limits for PM2.5 will be set in line with those recommended by leading experts at the World Health Organization (WHO) and for them to be met by 2030 at the latest.”

bbc.co.uk/news/science-envi...

[RoadRunner44]

That information has cheered me up immensly. Its certainly a good start but a way yet to go. I belong to an environmental group and will pass this on to them. Thanks.

[2greys]

In the last 2 weeks the PM2.5 and the NO2 pollution levels exceeded the WHO limits on 10 consecutive days in Southampton. So far the council's measures have proved totally ineffective. My breathing is increasingly being affected by low air quality and I monitor it closely now, it affects my decisions as to whether I go out or not.

[Superzob]

PM 2.5 and other particulates come from Diesel engines, brakes and tyres, so this will likely mean more banning of vehicles (even electric ones) in heavily pedestrianised areas; but it also helps to deal with NOx gases, which are an important contributor to asthma.

The ban on exporting waste plastic will have interesting consequences. About half is already incinerated, because it cannot be effectively recycled, but that has climate implications and can produce dioxins if not burnt at a high enough temperature. We might have to bury it under the elevated parts of HS2, like we did with the asbestos under the NW section of the M25!

[2greys in reply to Superzob]

PM2.5 particles are also produce from burning coal, wood, wildfires, burning waste and industrial processes as well. Most of the NO2 comes from internal combustion engines, notably from diesels.

We are in a whole world of trouble with pollutants being created everywhere. It is not just a Climate Emergency that we have to contend with, that is just a part of the whole Environment Emergency that mankind is facing.

[pegbl]

Pardon my ignorance 2 greys what is PM2.5 I've read the article but still don't understand ultra fine particles of what ! Or from what !

[2greys in reply to pegbl]

The particles are Carbon.