Sir, - It is with concern that we note the recent EPA report that ground level ozone levels exceeded EU thresholds for the protection of human health on 35 days in 1995. At ground level, ozone is an intense respiratory irritant. It is formed by the interaction of nitrogen oxides with light with volatile organic compounds acting as catalysts. Volatile organic compounds are found in the by products of fuel combustion, present in about two per cent by volume in both leaded and unleaded petrol.
Ozone levels have been associated with a significant increase in all cause, cardiovascular and respiratory mortality. These effect were independent of other pollutants and well after in the warmer seasons. The Belgian Institute for Hygiene and Epidemiology attributed the deaths of 1,226 people in the summer of 1994 to a combination of high temperatures and high ozone concentrations.
Recent research suggests that this pollutant may increase airway inflammation in people who suffer from asthma. We urgently need an asthma register and to make every effort to reduce the amount of traffic on our roads. - Yours, etc.,
Spokesperson on Health,
The Green Party/
Comhaontas Glas, Salthill, Mountcharles, Co Donegal.