Galway’s air quality among the worst in country

Air quality in Galway is amongst the worst in the country, as dangerous invisible toxins pollute the air, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Galway is one of a dozen cities and towns in Ireland and Britain that breach WHO safety levels for air pollution.

Only Longford and Bray had higher levels of ‘particulate matter’ than Galway, which was worse than even Dublin.

Experts blame traffic congestion and toxic emissions in particular from diesel vehicles, which emit more of these particles that contribute to lung cancers and respiratory diseases.

The safe limit for Particulate Matter is 10PM, but Galway scores 17PM, according to WHO. Ennis, Balbriggan, Mace Head and Castlebar all had safe levels, according to the study.

Science journalist Seán Duke says diesel cars constitute around 70% of cars in Ireland as consumers shy away from petrol cars which produce greenhouse gases are perceived as worse for the environment.

But, he said, the emissions from diesel cars are worse for creating the toxic gases, which contribute to poor air quality and effect the health of those breathing.

“Two main problems with diesel cars  – you have particulates, which are like dusty particles, tiny little specs of dust, and these can be extremely dangerous when they get into your lungs and they can cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems.

“The other thing is nitrous-oxides. These are nitric oxide and nitric dioxide, and these essentially are gases that also can cause serious emphysema, bronchitis, asthma, and it doesn’t have to be high concentrations of these gases,” Mr Duke said.

For more on this story, see this week’s Galway City Tribune