Smoky coal raising pollution level in Northern Ireland

The level of cancerous pollutants in the air over urban centres in Northern Ireland exceeds European targets, according to a report.

The Department of the Environment said the pollutants are fuelled by households in Northern Ireland burning smoky coal.

The report indicates that current levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) could lead to 12 cases of lung cancer in Northern Ireland over a 70-year period.

PAHs are highly carcinogenic compounds, which most commonly arise as a result of combustion of carboniferous fuels. Coal burning produces the greatest amounts.

Alex Attwood, Northern Ireland's environment minister, said people were burning smoky coal because it was cheaper than fuel.

"The burning of smoky coal in towns and cities across Northern Ireland, particularly in cold weather, is leading to relatively high levels of these pollutants in the air we breathe," he said.

People should only burn smokeless coal, the minister stated.

"It is slightly more expensive, but scientific evidence shows that smokeless coal burns longer with a higher heat output which would negate the perceived savings on smoky coal."

The report's findings were presented to Northern Ireland district councils earlier this week.

Posted by Lauren Steadman