Photo by Frederick Tubiermont on Unsplash
By Priscille Panzu
Air pollution is becoming a major issue. The government has estimated that between 28,000 and 36,000 people die as a result of air pollution every year in the UK – and related deaths keep increasing.
Pollution is a prime cause of breathing difficulties, flare-ups of allergies or asthma, and other lung problems. Long-term exposure, whether outdoors or indoors, can lead to health risks including heart disease and cancer.
Much of the capital’s air pollution is due to London transport, especially vehicles that contain diesel fuels. Other causes are sulfur dioxide emitted from the combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum and other factory combustibles, agricultural activities, and exhaust from factories and industries.
Decades of pollution
London has suffered poor air quality for many decades, and as a result many Londoners have complained to the government for not doing enough to improve the air quality in London.
“I see the impact air pollution has in people’s lives, especially my niece who suffers from asthma attacks,” said Lesley Malenge 24, east London student.
Candice McClain 50, retired said: “As a 50-year-old woman I am very afraid that air population will increase in future and have an impact on my children’s lives.”
Speed limit to improve air quality
Islington Council is working extremely hard to improve London’s air quality. Cllr Claudia Webbe said: “We are the first borough to introduce a borough-wide 20mph speed limit.
“We are also introducing a borough-wide diesel surcharge on residents’ parking permits of £96 a year and placing a supplement on diesel vehicles parking in visitor bays.”
The government plans to stop the sale of petrol and diesel-fuelled vehicles by 2040.
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