Salty snow could affect air pollution in the Arctic

Posted on October 13, 2016 by Respro® UK Ltd

In pictures, the Arctic appears pristine and timeless with its barren lands and icy landscape. In reality, the area is rapidly changing. Scientists are working to understand the chemistry behind these changes to better predict what could happen to the region in the future. One team reports in ACS’ Journal of Physical Chemistry A that sea salt could play a larger role in the formation of local atmospheric pollutants than previously thought.

The Arctic’s wintertime ice hit a record low this year, and its air is warming, according to NASA. Previous research has shown that pollutants, including gaseous nitrogen oxides and ozone, have at times been recorded at levels similar to those one would see in more populated areas. Nitrogen oxides are air pollutants that, in sunlight, lead to the formation of ozone, the main component in smog normally associated with cities. The gases can be processed in the atmosphere and be deposited on Earth as nitrates, which can get trapped in snow. In sunlight, snow can act as a reactor in which nitrates may be transformed back to nitrogen oxide gases. In the Arctic, sea ice and snow contain salt and other impurities that can possibly alter the efficiency of this process. James Donaldson, Karen Morenz and colleagues took a closer look at how salt and nitrate content in snow could affect the levels of nitrogen oxides in the air during sunny conditions.

The researchers tested lab-made snow containing nitrate alone or nitrate and salt. They found that under simulated sunlight, about 40 to 90 percent more nitrogen dioxide (NO2) was reformed from the snow with low levels of salt at environmentally relevant concentrations than snow with no salt. Researchers observed the greatest effect when they used realistic sea salt in the experiment. The results suggest that sea ice and salty snow, which previously have not been considered as factors in the balance of ozone-forming chemicals in the atmosphere, should be a part of future models.

Source: Salty snow could affect air pollution in the Arctic | EurekAlert! Science News

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London’s black communities disproportionately exposed to air pollution – study 

Posted on October 12, 2016 by Respro® UK Ltd

Black, African and Caribbean people are exposed to higher illegal nitrogen dioxide levels than the percentage of the population they account for

Black communities in London are disproportionately more likely to breathe illegal levels of air pollution than white and Asian ones, new research seen exclusively by the Guardian shows.

The study for the mayor of London shows black, African and Caribbean people account for 15.3% of all Londoners exposed to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels that breach EU limits, but they account for just 13.3% of the city’s population.

The proportion of white and Asian individuals exposed to the dangerous NO2 levels is lower than the fraction of the population they account for, said Aether, the consultancy which produced the report.

Southwark, Lambeth and Hackney were among the boroughs with an overlap of both a higher proportion of black residents and the higher pollution levels.

Previous research has shown there is a clear link between economically deprived areas and greater exposure to polluted air. But the new work, which comes as Sadiq Khan launches a new consultation on charges to tackle London’s polluted air, is one of the first to suggest there is a related race dimension too.

“People living in places with high proportions of black, mixed or ‘“other’ ethnic groups are more likely to be exposed to above EU NO2 limit value concentrations than those in areas with a high proportion of white people,” said the Aether study. “This effect is not seen for areas with a high proportion of Asian groups.”

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But because of the “very mixed ethnic geography of London”, the pattern is less strong between ethnicity and exposure than the one between deprivation and exposure, Aether found. In areas with poor air quality, 32% of people living there were from the most deprived groups, versus 7% from the least deprived.

“This research shows the disproportionate impact air pollution has on deprived communities in London,” said Aether’s director, Katie King.

“We have known for some time now that poor families end up living in cheaper housing which is often in close proximity to busy roads,” said a spokesman for the air quality unit at King’s College London.

However, he said the new study’s use of proportionate data was misleading, as in absolute terms there are more Asian and white people exposed to high NO2 levels.

Last month, the Black Lives Matter UK group linked ethnicity and environmental issues during a protest at London City airport – although the protestors were also criticised for their largely white membership.

The study compiled King’s data on NO2 concentrations in 2013 – the most recent available – census results, official statistics on deprivation and ethnic profiles of small areas in London. In total, 1.9 million people in London were exposed to NO2 concentrations above the EU’s annual average limit.

The work is an update of a report which the former mayor Boris Johnson was accused of burying when Khan took office. That earlier report showed 433 primary schools were exposed to NO2 above the limits in 2010, with that number falling to 360 by 2013 in today’s study, showing some areas have got cleaner.

Transport for London (TfL) published a consultation on Monday seeking Londoners’ views on Khan’s new measures to tackle the problem. They include whether to introduce a £10 emissions surcharge in October 2017, the so-called T-charge, which will mostly apply to pre-2005 diesel cars.

Khan and TfL are also consulting on whether to bring in an enlarged “ultra low emissions zone” (Ulez) in 2019 rather than 2020 as previously planned, charging owners of dirtier cars £12.50 to enter. Both charges will be in addition to the existing £11.50 congestion charge.

“Toxic air in London is a health emergency that requires bold action, including introducing charges for older polluting vehicles and expanding the Ulez,” said Khan.

Environmental groups and thinktanks welcomed the proposals, but Friends of the Earth said the mayor needed to go further.

“To bring down London’s air pollution as quickly as possible, Sadiq Khan must extend the Ulez for all vehicles across the whole of London; and create a plan for phasing out diesel on London’s roads altogether,” said Sophie Neuburg, a campaigner at the green group.

Next week the government faces a court case brought by environmental law firm ClientEarth over what it says is an inadequate plan to reduce NO2 pollution.

“Today’s announcement sends a clear message to the government that it needs to get a grip with this public health crisis. This is a national problem that needs a national solution. That is why we are taking them back to court next week,” said Alan Andrews, a ClientEarth lawyer.

Source: London’s black communities disproportionately exposed to air pollution – study | Environment | The Guardian

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London congestion zone: Old cars face extra £10 ‘pollution charge’ 

Posted on October 11, 2016 by Respro® UK Ltd

 

Owners of older, more polluting cars face an extra £10 fee for entering the congestion charge zone, under plans issued by London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

City Hall hopes to introduce the additional emissions surcharge from October next year.

The plans were put out for formal consultation on Monday.

Mr Khan is also putting forward plans to extend the capital’s ultra low emissions zone to the north and south circular roads.

Under the proposals, the owners of diesel and petrol vehicles manufactured before or up to 2005 that do not meet Euro 4 emissions standards for nitrogen oxide (NO2) and particulates will be required to pay £10 on top of the congestion charge.

The mayor has also called on the government to put in place a national diesel scrappage scheme to help people replace vehicles affected by his plans.

City Hall said its research showed people living in London’s most deprived communities, often by busy roads, are on average exposed to 25% higher levels of harmful NO2 pollution.

It is estimated that the equivalent of 9,400 premature deaths occur each year in London due to illnesses caused by long-term exposure to air pollution and 448 schools in London are in areas exceeding legal air quality levels.

Diesel vehicles are recognised as a major contributor to pollution and associated health impacts in London and the mayor wants to phase out these vehicles from the bus, taxi and other fleets.

Mr Khan said: “Toxic air in London is a health emergency that requires bold action, including introducing charges for older polluting vehicles and expanding the ultra low emissions zone.

“I am determined to help every Londoner breathe cleaner air. After the massive response to my first consultation I now need the public to let me know their views on my detailed proposals to help clean-up our filthy air.”

Source: London congestion zone: Old cars face extra £10 ‘pollution charge’ – BBC News

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Car exhaust fumes confuse bees, make pollination harder, research shows 

Posted on October 10, 2016 by Respro® UK Ltd

Pollution may make it even harder for bees to pollinate plants. Researchers have found that car exhaust fumes can mask the smell of flowers, making it more difficult for bees to learn individual floral scents.

Bees use their noses to sniff out the best flowers for pollen and nectar – they fly from flower to flower, transferring pollen and seeds, ensuring our food continues to grow. Aside from producing honey, bees enable the growth of apples, oranges, avocados and broccoli in this way.

Sticking out their tongues

According to Ryan James Leonard of the University of Sydney, in lab tests bees were able to quickly learn that a whiff of floral scent is usually followed by a taste of sugar. They then come to expect it, sticking out their tongues for sweetness after catching a blossomy sniff. However mix the smell with exhaust fumes and it takes bees a lot longer to develop that behaviour. Leonard tested the bees with several different floral scents. The bees could still identify linalool, (a natural chemical found in lots of flowers) after being mixed with exhaust fumes but other chemicals proved tougher.
Puff Puff Pass

Usually bees learnt to stick out their tongues for sugar after just two puffs of scent. But it took them three puffs to identify the ingredient myrcene when it was mixed with exhaust fumes. It took them four puffs when dipentene was mixed with exhaust fumes and it took them six puffs to learn the complex smell of a geranium.

Ryan James Leonard told the International Congress of Entomology that he hoped his research would show how living alongside traffic affected the life of bees. His findings echo a number of other studies that showed how pollutants impact bees’ behaviour. In 2013, scientists discovered how diesel made oilseed flowers smell different to bees. In 2015 it was discovered that effect of diesel fumes on flower scent was even greater than previously thought. Research from Reading University found that in polluted environments, diesel fumes may be reducing the availability of almost half the most common flower odours that bees use to find their food.

Bee nice

Lead author Dr Robbie Girling said: “Bees are worth millions to the British economy alone, but we know they have been in decline worldwide. “People rely on bees and pollinating insects for a large proportion of our food, yet humans have paid the bees back with habitat destruction, insecticides, climate change and air pollution. “This work highlights that pollution from dirty vehicles is not only dangerous to people’s health, but could also have an impact on our natural environment and the economy.”

Source: Car exhaust fumes confuse bees, make pollination harder, research shows – The i newspaper online iNews

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Sofia Most Polluted Capital in Europe 

Posted on October 8, 2016 by Respro® UK Ltd

Sofia is the most polluted capital in Europe, showed data of the European Environment Agency.

On Friday, an operation was launched for measuring harmful emissions from exhaust gases of vehicles. Units of the Road Police and Executive Agency Automobile Administration will take part in the operation. It was organised by the Association Diabetes Type 2 and Climate Coalition – Bulgaria.

“Between14,000 and 18,000 people die in Bulgaria due to the high levels of pollution. 13% of the air pollution is caused by vehicles, while fine particles rank first among harmful emissions. The levels of pollution after the heating season starts are above the highest permissible levels,” said Denitsa Ivanova from the association diabetes Type 2.

Household heating and old cars in Bulgaria cause air pollution and affect the cardio-vascular, reproductive and nervous systems, pointed out Todor Todorov from Climate Coalition – Bulgaria.

“This undertaking makes sense because it is time to make a clear distinction between the share of transport and the share of household heating in air pollution, and to take the necessary steps which will be more accessible with more modern equipment. There are laboratories in other European countries which calculate pollution in real time,” commented Todorov on BNR.

The organisers are drafting a Decree on Air Pollution with clear criteria for air purity and control.

Source: Sofia Most Polluted Capital in Europe – Novinite.com – Sofia News Agency

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Air quality alert issued for North Pole; first of the season 

Posted on October 7, 2016 by Respro® UK Ltd

The first air quality alert since last winter was issued Thursday for North Pole, where the air quality has been classified as moderate. The alert is in place through 5 p.m. Friday.

Anyone sensitive to air pollution should avoid prolonged exertion outdoors, according to the Fairbanks North Star Borough air quality hotline (459-1234). An electronic notification was also sent Thursday afternoon.

Under the Stage 1 alert, residents are asked to stop wood and coal burning if they can.

Air quality manager Ron Lovell said the air has been stagnant and that the alert could be extended through the weekend, depending on weather conditions.

Source: Air quality alert issued for North Pole; first of the season | Local News | newsminer.com

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Councils failing to monitor most British schools for dangerous air pollution 

Posted on October 7, 2016 by Respro® UK Ltd

Councils are failing to monitor most schools in Britain for dangerous air pollution despite government advice, freedom of information requests have revealed.

All Britain’s 433 local councils were asked by the British Lung Foundation (BLF) whether they placed pollution monitors within 10 metres of school grounds. Of the 322 which replied, only 140 said they did.

In urban areas identified by the World Health Organisation as having harmful levels of particulate pollution, nearly half were found to be monitoring only one or two schools. Less than one in three local authorities monitored more than two schools.

Air quality monitoring guidance for the UK is drawn up by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). The government does not insist that schools are monitored and local authorities are left to implement and interpret results and take action where needed.
The survey showed “alarming discrepancies” in council behaviour, said a BLF spokeswoman. Some used very simple diffusion tubes to measure only NO2 gas, but others monitored for different-sized particles called PM10s and 2.5s which are spewed out by traffic and industry, she said.

Equally, some authorities monitored the air close to school playgrounds, but others measured air quality hundreds of metres away.

“The guidance on monitoring that Defra gives local authorities needs to be revised and strengthened. Parents should be able to tell what their children are breathing, especially if they have conditions like asthma,” the spokeswoman said.

Concern about children’s health has grown following new scientific research which has shown lung capacity can be permanently impaired by pollution at very early ages.

A study of 2,400 children at 25 schools across east London found children had 5-10% less lung capacity, with an increased risk of diseases such as asthma and bronchitis.

According to the BLF, nearly 1 million schoolchildren up to 15 years old have been diagnosed with lung conditions.

“Children and teaching staff are not being made fully aware of the health risks posed by air pollution. Local authorities need clear guidance to monitor the air that children breathe as well as more resources and funding to tackle it,” said Russell Hobby, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers.

“Children’s lung health is particularly vulnerable to air pollution, yet they are not being protected by the government’s air quality monitoring guidance. There is a huge discrepancy in the levels of monitoring outside schools across the country, with many schools in the most harmfully polluted places not being monitored,” said Dr Penny Woods, chief executive of British Lung Foundation.

A an LGA spokesman said: “Councils follow guidelines on monitoring air pollution which are laid down by central government. These are to take a risk-based approach – monitoring those locations where members of the public might be regularly exposed.

“As well as schools this could also include residential properties, hospitals and care homes – depending on which area is at greatest risk. Many schools are actually some distance from busy roads and therefore unlikely to have high air pollution levels.”

He added that the “real issue” was for councils to move from monitoring pollution to acting on it, which would take government support.

A report that was commissioned but not published by London city hall under Boris Johnson showed that the number of primary schools in the capital breaching EU pollution levels had fallen from 433 in 2010 to 357 in 2013.

Another report, for the mayor of London, found children at nearly 90 secondary schools in London regularly breathed illegal and dangerous levels of air pollution.

Research by the Campaign for Clean Air found that 1,148 schools in London are within 150 metres of roads carrying 10,000 or more vehicles per day, and a total of 2,270 schools are within 400m of such roads.

“Children across the UK are exposed to illegal levels of air pollution on a daily basis. Air pollution is an invisible problem and parents have a right to know if their children are breathing dirty air, so it should be monitored,” said Andrea Lee, healthy air campaigner at environmental law firm ClientEarth.

Source: Councils failing to monitor most British schools for dangerous air pollution | Environment | The Guardian

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Hanoi’s air pollution ranks 2nd worst in world 

Posted on October 6, 2016 by Respro® UK Ltd

Hanoi’s air pollution was recorded as the second worst in the world Wednesday morning by a global air quality watchdog.

The Real-time Air Quality Index, which compiles information from local authorities globally, ranked the city as “very unhealthy” based on data provided by the U.S. Embassy’s monitoring station.

Only India’s Varanasi ranked higher on the index.

Hanoi’s air pollution is frequently blamed on traffic congestion. It is reported to be home to 5.5 million vehicles with 700 motorbikes for each kilometer/mile of road.

A recent study from the environment ministry put Hanoi’s nitrogen dioxide levels at 1.3 times permitted levels and particulate matters, which are defined as airborne particles of less than 10 micrometers in length, at 1.4 times the limit.

High levels of smog in recent years have also made face masks a common site in the city, with carbon filter masks particularly popular.

Duc Nguyen, a 20-year-old Vietnamese photographer living in Hanoi, told Anadolu Agency on Wednesday that air pollution is a big concern for him.

“It was bad a couple of months before but its even worse now,” he said, adding that he blames the pollution on recurring health aliments.

“I feel sleepy, breathless and my muscles are tired all the time.”

Source: Hanoi’s air pollution ranks 2nd worst in world | Health & Environment | Worldbulletin News

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