Poisoned by pollution
Residents in Cambuslang are being “poisoned by pollution” according to Cambuslang Community Council.
The group were speaking after looking more closely at pollution levels on the Main Street.
Last week, we reported that Cambuslang Main Street was one of the most polluted streets in Scotland.
Only some of Scotland’s busiest streets in city centres were deemed worse.
The community council say their own research suggests pollution levels regularly reach double the accepted amount in the town.
Chairman David Thompson said: “Our own research on Scottish Air Quality agency data has found some seriously worrying figures on nitrogen dioxide and particulate ( PM10) concentrations at the Cambuslang monitoring point.
“Bearing in mind that the World Health Organisation’s limit for nitrogen dioxide is 40, the evidence from the SAQ data is much, much worse than the figure of 46 quoted in the recent Friends of the Earth report.
“During large parts of the day, the concentration of nitrogen dioxide is more than twice the recommended maximum and occasionally four times.
“It is not hyperbole to say that people in Cambuslang are being literally poisoned by pollution.”
Dr David Porter, Cambuslang Community Council member, added: “Let’s be clear about the health implications. Long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide, for example, can have a damaging effect on the respiratory system.
“It can cause inflammation of the airways and affect lung function. Studies have shown a link with acute bronchitis and asthma, especially among children.
“This needs to be addressed seriously and urgently.”
Officers at South Lanarkshire Council are currently assessing the data.
Shirley Clelland, head of fleet and environmental services, said: “A review of air quality monitoring resources across South Lanarkshire was undertaken in 2015.
“Cambuslang was identified as an area of high traffic volume adjacent to receptive people and monitoring of air quality in Cambuslang commenced in October 2015. Monitoring sites were selected to give accurate data on air quality in the locality.
“A full calendar year of provisional data is available and is being assessed. If the assessment determines that air quality objectives are liable to be exceeded, then a detailed assessment will be undertaken for Cambuslang, and if that assessment indicates that air quality objectives are indeed exceeded at relevant locations then South Lanarkshire Council will commence the process of Air Quality Management Area declaration.
“In the meantime, South Lanarkshire Council continues to work on measures to improve air quality across the whole area.”
Meanwhile Margaret Walker, the Scottish Labour candidate for Cambuslang West, called on the Scottish Government to do more to tackle air pollution.
She said: “These figures about Cambuslang Main Street should worry us all.
“There are real health risks associated with living near busy roads and thousands die a year in Scotland because of air pollution.
“Despite ten years in government, the SNP have failed to regulate bus travel, meaning companies can charge whatever fares they like. Combined with the shambles that is ScotRail, it’s no wonder cars continue to pollute our busy streets.”
People in Cambuslang are being literally poisoned