Rhodri Jamieson-Ball calls for action to tackle air quality on Holloway Road

3.47.00pm GMT Mon 16th Nov 2009

Rhodri campaigns for better air quality on the Holloway Road along with local Councillors and campaigners

Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesperson for Islington North, Cllr Rhodri Jamieson-Ball, has called on the Government and the Mayor of London to tackle the urgent issue of air quality around the Holloway Road area.

Cllr Ball has invited the Mayor of London and members of the Labour Government, including local representatives, to sit down with him and key figures on Islington Council to discuss a proposed Air Quality Action Plan.

NO2 (or Nitrogen Dioxide) levels are above what the EU says is safe. It is toxic to inhale and has been shown to cause inflamed airways, chest tightness and difficulty breathing. Exposure also affects the immune cells in the airways, which can increase the chances of someone catching a respiratory infection.

Rhodri said:

"Pollution levels on Holloway Road are the cause of major air quality problems in Islington. The level of NO2 here is higher than European Law allows. This is causing breathing difficulties for many children and adults. We are entitled to breathe clean air!

People are suffering while the Labour government and the Mayor squabble over who is to blame. They have let Islington down and need to act immediately to tackle the problem."

Studies show that high levels of NO2 can be linked to an increase in death rates and hospital admissions, particularly amongst older people, children and people with poor lung function including asthmatics.

ENDS

Notes:

1. The effects of NO2 are found at http://www.hpa.org.uk/web/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1195733807362

2. The levels of NO2 can be found in the Mayor's Air Quality Strategy at http://www.london.gov.uk/mayor/environment/air_quality/index.jsp