The Welsh Government has been accused of “misleading” the Welsh public on the extent of air pollution in Wales after figures appeared to contradict its claim the situation was improving.

Environmental campaigners said that while the Welsh Government claimed air quality in Wales was “continuing to improve”, the actual levels of several potentially harmful pollutants were rising.

Friends of the Earth Cymru said that evidence showed that five out of seven emission substances showed increases between 2009 and 2010 – the latest available data – including cancer-causing pollutants.

The indicator revealed that, in the same period, there was a 22% increase in levels of lead in the atmosphere – from 11 tonnes to 13 tonnes.

Lead is known to accumulate in the body and can cause organ damage, and exposure to high levels can cause serious brain damage. Children are known to be particularly susceptible to health problems from lead exposure.

via Welsh Government accused of ‘misleading’ public over air pollution – Wales News – News – WalesOnline.