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Diesel pollutants on the rise

Source: Energy Saving Trust

Diesel pollutants which are extremely harmful to health are on the rise in many parts of the UK, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) has warned.

According to the CSP's analysis of roadside monitoring points across the country, levels of PM10 particles which are emitted by diesel engines are still increasing.

While levels in at London's Marylebone Road monitoring site dropped slightly, down to 41 micrograms per cubic metre (mcg/m3) of air from 43 the year before, other areas saw a rise in 2005.

In particular, Glasgow's concentration went up by 7mcg/m3 to 35mcg/m3, while Leeds, Stoke-on-Trent and Middlesbrough all rose between five and 7mcg/m3.

Despite the drop in London's concentration it is still well above the UK average of 22 mcg/m3, with Marylebone second only to Camden as having the highest concentration in the country.

There is no safe limit for exposure to PM10, which can cause coughing and shortness of breath in healthy people and be far more damaging to those with lung diseases.

CSP chair of council Grahame Pope said: "All of us, our children, our parents and our friends and work colleagues are breathing in this filthy air every day of our lives.

"The government should be setting a higher standard for air quality and consider legislation demanding this standard for all diesel cars on British roads."

The CSP has also called on car manufacturers to make more of an effort to reduce diesel emissions.

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