Council Fails to Tackle Air Pollution in Ewell

A recent press release from the Borough Council on the subject of air quality, gives little evidence of how they will deal with the long-term problem of increased nitrogen dioxide levels in Ewell High Street.

Air quality tests are required by the government and though most of the borough is within the acceptable range, Ewell High Street will be subject to further monitoring.

As reported in The Post of 18.6.08, Cllr Julie Morris, leader of the Lib Dem Opposition on the council said "We have known there are high levels of nitrogen dioxide in Ewell High Street for the past five years. What's needed is a strategy to deal with that problem and improve air quality there. Annual statements from the council which focus on how there's NOT a problem in other areas of the borough are meaningless to those who suffer from poor air quality in that part of Ewell."

Nitric oxide (NO) is an odourless, colourless gas which is produced during high temperature burning of fuel in, for example, cars and other road vehicles, heaters and cookers. Once it is mixed with air it quickly combines with oxygen, forming nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Most nitrogen dioxide in the atmosphere is formed from the oxidation of nitric oxide (NO) in this way, although some is release directly from source. It is a reddish brown, nonflammable, gas with a detectable smell. In significant concentrations it is highly toxic, causing serious lung damage with a delayed effect. Other health effects of exposure to nitrogen dioxide include shortness of breath and chest pains