Before I explore the impact of BC on our Health did anyone read what has been introduced in the Budget ? Well to tackle air pollution an increase in tax on diesel cars is coming into force in April 2018 - to read more here is the link .
What is the impact to our health ?
The world health organisation has suggested that black carbon 'may not be a major directly toxic component of fine particulate matter, but it may operate as a universal carrier of a wide variety of chemicals of varying toxicity'. These toxins can get into the lungs, body defence cells and blood. It is believed that if people have less exposure to particulate matter which contains black carbon, it will reduce heath related issues (WHO 2012)
Below is a short clip summarising what particulate matter does to the human body.
It is not a new discovery that pollution was causing an impact on human health.In London in 1952 due to the smog it caused around 4000 - 10,000 deaths Highwood & Kinnerseley (2006).
While pollution levels have reduced due to the introduction of cleaner technology and introduction of regulations, the issue still remains. Ultra/fine particulate matter levels are on the rise created by road transport and industry all over the world. In Europe it was found that particulate matter causes around 100,000 deaths a year.
Particulate matter (PM) which is smaller than (<) 2.5 μm are called fine particles, below 0.1 μm is commonly known as ultra fine. Particles larger than 2.5 μm are known as coarse.
PM which is smaller than 2.5um is most linked to health impacts and early death. In the uk, combustion emissions leads to 13,000 premature deaths and emissions from transport causes a large impact with 7500 deaths. In money terms the impact from the loss of life is around £ 6 billion. In 2017 London went over its yearly pollution limit of nitrogen oxide which is emitted more by diesel cars in only five days.
The short term effects from particulate matter are
- Asthma and chronic obstruction pulmonary disease
- Cardiovascular disease
Long term effects
- Lung cancer
- death
- chronic bronchitis
Source: Valavanidis et al
In Figure 1, image D represents particulate matter (PM) pollution from road transport, showing it is a large contributor, London is the most impacted city and on average levels are 1.6 times higher than the rest of the UK. Image F shows PM levels for all UK combustion sources.
Figure 1, Source Yim & Barrett (2012).
Anyone reading this blog and is concerned, there are apps for your smart phone which will tell you which roads and streets have high levels of pollution. I know they are not perfect as pollution sensors not present on every street so some data are predictions.
Here are a few good ones which you could look into trying out, let me know in the comments if there are any that works for you or iv missed from the list.
1) Clean air app
2). London air app - data from 100 monitoring stations in Greater London
3) Clean space tag - worlds first air pollution smart sensor
4) Clean air nation - for those living in India
5) Clean air walking route - finds the cleanest route for your walk.
6) Air quality Europe
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