IN some areas of Headington, the levels of the air pollutant nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exceed the current EU annual air quality standard and residents are pressing for additional monitoring (August 5).
This standard, however, does not differentiate between safe and unsafe levels of pollution. Recent studies have shown that adverse health impacts can occur below the standard level.
A large group of scientists engaged in the WHO project “Review of evidence on health aspects of air pollution” believes that the results of these new studies provide support for updating the current WHO air quality guidelines for NO2.
It is also unlikely that assays are being performed in Headington for particulate pollution, which is probably more harmful than NO2.
If it isn’t being assessed, then no one knows what problems it might be causing. In the UK a similar number of lives are lost every day on average due to air pollution as was lost in the recent Spanish rail accident.
It will only be when the public realises the extent of the problem that politicians at all levels will do something about it.
PETER BOWELL
Deanfield Road
Oxford
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