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| An average sunrise in London, where the smog overcomes the morning. |
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| This displays levels of air pollution in London, based on area. |
Just a month ago, the European Union was forced to confront Britain regarding London's failure to meet Europe's clean air standards. In June of 2010, the European Commission issued a "final warning" to Britain, stating that the air pollution taking over London had gotten out of hand, and levels must be reduced if Britain wanted to avoid a court case. The problem revolves around increased production of PM10 - tiny airborne particles that are extremely dangerous. In the past few years, their consistency in the atmosphere has risen far above EU limits. Emitted generally through domestic heating, transportation, as well as industrial complexes, PM10 is able to cause major health risks, such as asthma, cardiovascular issues, lung cancer, as well as premature death. Janez Potocnik, an Environment Commissioner under the EU expressed that if London did not meet requirements by a final deadline of June 2011, the commission will instigate legal action against the British government. Mayor Boris Johnson conducted a study, which displayed shocking results. Air pollution was responsible for an estimated 4,267 deaths through long-time exposure to the British capital's terrible air quality. In addition, for the preservation of the peoples' health, the EU only allows 35 "bad air"days. Just halfway through the year, London reached an astounding 36, which sparked the European Union's interest in London's emission levels. Overall, I think this article reveals some crucial issues, in that nations are not being responsible in restricting air pollution that is not only harmful to the environment, but also to their citizens. The fact that 20 out of 27 countries in the EU are incapable of keeping up with limits, displays that the government simply does not place the environment as a priority, which is in itself a major issue. I think its essential for Britain to take care of London's pollution crisis, in order to avoid health risks for its citizens, for the environment, and especially unnecessary political turmoil. Problems like these should not be ignored, and I hope that the government takes care of London's persistent, ongoing air pollution.
Citations:
"EU warns Britain on London air pollution." Science Online. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 7 Mar. 2011. <http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE40&SID=5&iPin=UPI-1-20110127-203522-bc-britain-airquality&SingleRecord=True>.
http://www.christopherfowler.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/pollution.jpg
You should explain how PM10 is dangerous and what it does to harm your body. Also, explain how "bad air" days are measured; are they measured by the amount of PM10 in the air? Your overall article is detailed and interesting.
ReplyDeleteYour post was well-written, and you chose an important topic to write about.
ReplyDeleteI think it's extremely important that Britain gets their air pollution down to an acceptable measurement, as it is creating a huge problem with disease and death. If they don't, it could cause an even bigger problem with death and disease in London, which would be extremely unfortunate.
Although your post was interesting, it was a little hard to understand in a few parts...What exactly is PM-10, how does it affect the air, and what does it do to cause all the diseases you mentioned? Overall, you did a great job, though.