Air pollution in Ireland linked to premature deaths at ‘concerning’ level in urban areas, report finds

Air Pollution Linked to Premature Deaths at Concerning Level in Urban Areas, Report Finds

Irish Times journalist Kevin O’Sullivan reports that the Irish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises using less solid fuel to heat homes and reducing the use of cars if Ireland is to meet World Health Organization (WHO) pollution guidelines.

In a Nutshell:

Air quality in Ireland is generally good, but localized issues of highly damaging fine particulate pollution pose significant threats to public health, warns the Environmental Protection Agency. While Ireland met European Union air quality limits in 2022, it fell short of more stringent World Health Organization guidelines for pollutants like particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide. Solid fuel burning and heavy traffic in cities are the main culprits, resulting in an estimated 1,300 premature deaths annually due to PM2.5 exposure. Urgent measures, including cleaner fuel usage and reduced car reliance, are recommended to align with WHO standards and improve air quality.

Key Quote:

EPA programme manager Pat Byrne said: “We can have immediate impacts on our local air quality by making changes in how we heat our homes and finding alternative ways to travel. These actions which also have positive climate impacts.”

The Big Picture:

Particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide pollution in urban areas pose significant health and environmental risks. PM, particularly PM2.5, consists of tiny particles mainly from fossil fuel combustion that can enter the bloodstream, affecting various organs. Exposure to high levels of PM is linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and can lead to premature death. Meanwhile, NO2, primarily from traffic emissions, contributes to respiratory problems and exacerbates conditions like asthma. These pollutants also harm the environment, contributing to smog formation, acid rain, and damage to ecosystems, emphasizing the pressing need for cleaner urban air quality.

Read the article at the Irish Times.

Did you know that air pollution can cancel out the health benefits of a stroll in the city? Read Brian Bienkowski’s piece for more.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
   • Indicator: Number of premature deaths attributed to air pollution.

2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
   • Indicator: Levels of fine particulate pollution (PM2.5) in urban areas.
   • Indicator: Levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution in urban areas.

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
   • Indicator: Reduction in solid fuel burning for heating homes.
   • Indicator: Reduction in car reliance.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   The article highlights that air pollution, specifically fine particulate pollution (PM2.5), is linked to premature deaths. This aligns with Target 3.9 of SDG 3, which aims to reduce deaths and illnesses from air pollution. The number of premature deaths attributed to air pollution can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards this target.

2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   The article emphasizes the adverse impact of solid fuel burning and heavy traffic on air quality in urban areas. This relates to Target 11.6 of SDG 11, which aims to reduce the per capita environmental impact of cities, including air quality. The levels of fine particulate pollution (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in urban areas can be used as indicators to measure progress towards this target.

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

   The article suggests that reducing solid fuel burning for heating homes and car reliance can have immediate impacts on air quality. These actions align with Target 13.2 of SDG 13, which focuses on integrating climate change measures into national policies and strategies. The reduction in solid fuel burning and car reliance can be used as indicators to measure progress towards this target.

Overall, the article addresses SDGs 3, 11, and 13, highlighting specific targets and indicators that can be used to measure progress towards improving air quality and reducing the adverse impacts of pollution in urban areas.

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Source: ehn.org

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