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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 29 Sep 1999

Vol. 508 No. 1

Written Answers. - Motor Vehicle Emissions.

John Bruton

Ceist:

454 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the relative damage to health caused by diesel, leaded petrol and unleaded petrol fumes. [17557/99]

Lead is a toxic air pollutant which can have adverse health effects. Ingestion of lead is shown to retard mental and physical development, particularly in the case of children.

Ireland is required to phase out use of unleaded petrol by the year 2000 on environmental and public health grounds under the EU auto oil programme agreed by the European Council of Ministers and the European Parliament in 1998.

While use of unleaded fuels removes a major toxic pollutant from vehicle emissions the burning of diesel and unleaded petrol would still involve the release of some gaseous and particulate pollutants into the atmosphere as well as carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons.
Regulations make in 1998 to transpose European directives in this area require stricter emission standards from diesel engines in lorries, trucks and buses and from passenger cars and light commercial vehicles.
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