Welsh govt welcomes reduction in air pollution

There has been a significant reduction in the level of air pollution in Wales, according to the latest report, which has been welcomed by the country's government.

In a new report entitled Air Quality Pollutant Inventories for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – 1990 to 2010, it is revealed that Wales has successfully achieved a number of Air Quality pollutant reductions.

These include a 72 per cent decrease in carbon monoxide, a 69 per cent fall in non-methane volatile organic compounds and a 54 per cent reduction in nitrogen oxides reported as nitrogen dioxide.

In addition, there was 82 per cent less sulphur dioxide in the air in 2010 than 1990 and 16 per cent less ammonia, while a 54 per cent reduction was recorded in levels of sub-10 micron particulate matter, also known as PM10.

The biggest decrease was seen in the amount of lead found in the air, with 90 per cent less in 2010 than 20 years before - something that was applauded by the Welshminister for environment and sustainable development, John Griffiths.

"I am pleased that substantial progress has been made since 1990 with emissions of the majority of pollutants decreasing by more than 50 per cent," he commented.

"The Welsh government is taking action to deliver the things that make a difference to communities now and in the future. We are acting in the long term interest of the people of Wales and not losing sight of factors vital to people's quality of life."

Ms Griffiths added that, as air quality continues to have the potential to affect health and the environment in parts of Wales, the Welsh government will continue to "seek improvements" in air quality.

The report is intended to keep UK administrations better informed, to enable them to meet the objectives set down in the Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

This contributes to the UK's targets as a whole in meeting both national and international benchmarks on local and international air pollution.