AIR pollution levels have dropped across Scotland but numerous city streets are still failing European air quality standards, new figures showed yesterday.

Latest statistics from the Scottish Government revealed that since 1990 emissions of harmful substances have reduced by as much as 98 per cent, which was the amount by which lead pollution fell.

Reasons for falling levels of nitrogen oxides, particulates and carbon monoxide included the demise of heavy industry such as the Ravenscraig steel works, and the recession, which resulted in people driving less to save money.

But traffic fumes remain the key cause of polluted air in cities like Glasgow which exceeds European limits.

via Scotland’s city streets failing European air quality standards – Environment – Scotsman.com.