A well-attended lecture recently organized by Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar with the cooperation of the US Embassy provided a unique learning opportunity for those concerned at the effects of Malta’s air pollution problem caused by our dense traffic. Senior Policy Advisor in the California Air Resources Board (CARB), Ms Catherine Witherspoon’s lecture delivered at the Chamber of Commerce lecture hall focussed on the Health Effects of Air Pollution and was followed by a lively debate.
The lecture was introduced by Dr G Debono who briefly drew attention to the severity of traffic pollution in Malta due to the huge number of motor vehicles in Malta – over 1275 vehicles per square kilometer or 2 vehicles per household. – a high percentage of which are diesel driven. The main concern is residents’ reduced life span due to pollution-induced heart and lung disease. This is estimated at 348,000 premature deaths annually in the EU which translates to a loss of 3 – 8 months of life for each of us. Another major concern is the cumulative effect of years of exposure to soot particulates emitted by diesel vehicles, especially our buses and construction lorries. This is expected to result in an increased incidence of lung cancer in coming years. Such an increase related to traffic density was observed by the American Cancer Society in an extensive 20-year survey of 500,000 subjects. Recent studies also indicate risks to the brain and possible links to increased rates of Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s.
Ms Witherspoon’s lecture was particularly relevant to the situation in Malta in highlighting two particularly hazardous traffic pollutants, ie. particulates and ozone which both trigger asthma and worsen chronic bronchitis with more frequent hospital admissions for lung conditions. A very important health effect is the stunting of lung development in growing children. Furthermore, particulates or fine, largely invisible, particles of soot which are emitted especially by diesel engines are the cause of more frequent admissions to hospital for lung or heart disorders; 25% of heart attacks in California have been found to be caused by exposure to traffic pollution.
In addition to addressing students at MCAST, Junior College and University, Ms Witherspoon also addressed an audience of doctors involved in treating lung disorders. Here Dr Martin Balzan, MAM President pointed to the fact that his study of the Fgura area had shown that Fgura had the world’s highest rate of hospitalization for lung problems.
Given the high levels of pollution detected by monitoring stations, it is clear that Malta faces a serious pollution health problem from our dense traffic. We are all part of the problem and need to start limiting car use and making more use of public transport. Efforts must therefore concentrate on improving public transport, incentivising the purchase of low-emission cars, and taking immediate steps against vehicles emitting toxic fumes, especially trucks and buses; measures which require a combination of public commitment, authorities’ enforcement and political will.
The lecture was made possible by the sponsorship of CUTRICO Services Ltd.
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