asked the Minister for the Environment if air pollution levels recorded on 30 January in the Ballyfermot and Crumlin areas of Dublin, which substantially exceeded EC safety limits, constituted a health hazard; and the steps, if any, being taken to prevent a recurrence.
Written Answers. - Air Pollution Levels.
90.
It is accepted that, in sufficient quantities, air pollution can affect human health, especially that of the old, the very young and persons with pre-existing respiratory illness. The air quality limits for smoke and sulphur dioxide specified in Directive 80/779/EEC are designed to protect human health. These limits are not so structured that a single daily episode of air pollution, such as on 30 January 1987, in Dublin, can itself constitute a breach of them. However, both the three day and the 98th percentile limits of the Directive have been exceeded this winter in Ballyfermot and Crumlin. The Air Pollution Bill, 1986, now on Dáil Second Stage, is being promoted to allow problems such as these to be addressed.