3 September 2009
New Zealand deserves clean air
The Government’s air quality standards have come under fire from the Green Party for not monitoring fine particle
pollutants.
“The National Government needs to get serious about keeping New Zealand’s air clean and introduce regulations around
fine particle pollutants. These pollutants pose serious health risks to all New Zealanders,” said Dr Russel Norman Green
Party Co-Leader.
In answer to a written question from the Green Party Environment Minister Nick Smith has admitted that New Zealand does
not have any standards for monitoring air pollutant particulates that are 2.5 microns or smaller.
Fine particle pollution is particularly dangerous for people who are exposed to vehicle pollution in and around tunnels.
“Land Transport New Zealand is claiming our air quality in and around tunnels is fine but the research they have
conducted is flawed because it has not taken into consideration fine particle pollutants that pose serious health
risks,” said Dr Norman.
Scientific studies have found an association between fine particle pollution and significant health problems, including:
aggravated asthma; chronic bronchitis; reduced lung function; irregular heartbeat; heart attack; and premature death in
people with heart or lung disease.
It is international best practice to monitor fine particle pollutants. Both the United States and the World Health
Organisation have introduced monitoring and health standards for fine particle pollutants. But New Zealand which prides
itself on being clean and green has no regulations, standards or guidelines, said Dr Norman.
In Wellington, residents who live near Mount Victoria tunnel are outraged. Jessica Closson from the local residents
association said she was “shocked to hear that LTNZ didn't measure particulates less than 2.5 in size. It's pretty
meaningless to simply measure above that level - that covers things like road dust, tyre wear and brake linings only!”
For further information
Fact Sheet: Final Clean Air Fine Particle Implementation Rule For Implementation of 1997 PM2.5 Standards - www.epa.gov/air/particlepollution/fs20070329.html
World Health Organisation - Air quality guidelines - global update 2005- www.who.int/phe/health_topics/outdoorair_aqg/en/
Good Practice Guide for Assessing Discharges to Air from Industry, Ministry for the Environment - www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/air/assessing-discharges-air-industry-jun08/html/index.html
ENDS