BMJ 1996;312:1605-1606 (22 June)

Letters

Air pollution related to transport

Diesel is the main problem

EDITOR,--David V Bates's call for new clean air legislation in Britain1 is made more urgent by the results of the two London based studies published in the same issue that show the relation between air pollution, daily mortality, and childhood wheezing.2 3 Ozone and particulates are most strongly related to daily mortality,2 while ozone and sulphur dioxide are most strongly related to childhood wheezing, though the study by Roger Buchdahl and colleagues did not measure particulate levels.3 Unfortunately, particulates are also carcinogenic and are the most likely explanation for the relation between air pollution and annual mortality from lung cancer.4

The main problem is diesel. Historically diesel has been perceived as an environmentally benign fuel since it is 25-30% more efficient than petrol, contains no added lead, and produces virtually no carbon monoxide. In urban areas, however, it is the main source of particulate emissions, and . . . [Full text of this article]


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Relevant Article

Air pollution: time for more clean air legislation?
David V Bates
BMJ 1996 312: 649-650. [Extract] [Full Text]

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