The EPA and HSE link poor air quality with an increase in hospital admissions

A new Irish study conducted by the EPA and the HSE finds a link between poor air quality and an increase in hospital admissions. The yet to be published research was presented at the environmental protection agency conference last month.

The conference was formed for Local Authorities, Public Bodies, researchers and others and aimed at providing practical information on matters relating to Air Quality in Ireland and enforcement of new strategies. The HSE and EPA findings concluded that there was a strong connection between the air quality and hospital admissions for certain respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses.

The EPA estimated that Air pollution in Ireland is already responsible for 1510 premature deaths annually. According to EPA findings there have been 78 air quality breaches so far in 2019, compared to just 9 breaches in 2018.

Air quality pollutants of most concern are nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter (PM), ground level ozone (o3) and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). These pollutants can have a drastic impact on human health, ecosystems and vegetation. The main source of these pollutants come from traffic emissions, the burning of solid fuels, agriculture and even some natural sources like wind-blown dust.

The Department of Climate action said they are currently working on a national clean air strategy to be implemented in Ireland to reduce our pollution levels and increase our air quality.

To know more about how bad air quality can affect your health please see myecohubs related article on how poor ventilation and bad air quality can effect your health.