The air that we breathe

THE TREES ARE SHOWING US THE PROBLEM!

Tree lichens thrive under certain conditions; for this yellow lichen the best conditions are the noxious fumes emitted by diesel engines, nitrogen dioxide (NO2).

Studies indicate that long-term exposure to NO2 levels currently observed in Europe may decrease lung function and increase the risk of respiratory symptoms such as acute bronchitis and cough and phlegm, particularly in children.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) states: "In general, individuals with asthma are expected to be more responsive to short-term exposure to inhaled agents, when compared to individuals without asthma."
Jackie Pearcey told Focus, "We need action on Diesel now to protect children from the chronic illnesses that breathing in this poisonous atmosphere can cause. It is time for action on the environment!"

The monitoring the council is supposed to do!

Smaller particulates in the air have an impact on our health in other ways, the Council's city centre atmospheric monitoring system Robin Grayson is pointing at monitors 2.5 micron particulates in the atmosphere (as required by law). However it does not measure 1 micron particulates which which impact on human mental capacity and health whereas the monitor held by Jackie Pearcey does.
Jackie told Focus "The Labour council is doing the minimum it can to meet it's legal requirements in monitoring air pollution in Manchester. I am installing this monitor in Gorton, the first in Manchester to measure the minute particulates that can slow recovery from strokes, reduce the performance of athletes and damage the education of children and students."
To find our more about the monitor and how to look at the atmospheric pollution in Gorton and around the world visit https://www.purpleair.com/ and click on the maps link.