Biofuel production 'could do more harm than good'

According to new research, air pollution levels could worsen owing to the production of more biofuels.

Indeed, a study conducted by Lancaster University found that around 1,400 premature deaths could occur per year by 2020 if more biofuels are produced.

The study examined trees that are grown to produce wood fuel, and it found that these trees emit a volatile organic compound (VOC) called Isoprene, which when mixed with other pollutants, can create ozone and reduce crop yields.

This type of air pollution is not only harmful to the environment - causing stunted plant growth and crop yields - it is also incredibly detrimental to individuals.

Air pollution can cause a number of respiratory problems including asthma and certain types of cancer.

The results come as a surprise, as it has long been thought that biofuels are beneficial for the environment.

"Growing biofuels is thought to be a good thing because it reduces the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere,"  Nick Hewitt, who worked on the study with colleagues at Lancaster University, told news agency, Reuters.

"What we’re saying is ‘yes, that’s great, but biofuels could also have a detrimental effect on air quality’," he added.

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"Large-scale production of biofuels in Europe would have small but significant effects on human mortality and crop yields."

He also went on to say that, as far as the university knows, this is the first time that the link between biofuel crops and air quality has been examined.

Burning biofuels has long been considered as a good thing for climate change, as the plants soak up carbon when they grow and release it when they burn or rot.

Fossil fuels add carbon to the environment, however, which affects the environmental state of the world for years to come.