Cynthia T. Busuttil, Sliema
Air pollution evident without studies
Last Saturday’s editorial took a serious look at the problems of air pollution in Malta. It is such a shame that this hazard is allowed to continue without being taken seriously enough. If the authorities admitted and acknowledged the problem, they would have to make an effort to find a solution. But because those responsible for this hazard are probably certain quarters of the business community who are untouchable, decisions are taken to spend precious money, poured in vain by the EU, on studying what equipment is needed to study the quality of air we are inhaling instead of finding permanent solutions.
It really does not take an expert to realise the inferiority of our air quality. Just step off an aeroplane on landing in Malta and immediately hayfever sets in.
Everybody seems to have the snivels due to “hayfever” and I am myself, over recent years, beginning to get symptoms of asthma. We all have to play our part responsibly and avoid further ruin.
If the local government is still not convinced that Malta has a severe air pollution problem, all they have to do is consult their own employees, namely doctors in the polyclinics and Mater Dei. I believe they will be shocked out of their reverie. That is where they should direct their studies. The facts will pour in.
Two causes are a major concern: Traffic fumes and construction; which are partly responsible for the toxic air that we, our children and our visitors breathe. And that is why these studies go no further. Can you think of any other reason?
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A.S. Galea
Nov 2nd 2010, 17:06
This scenario will most certainly be more evident when the extension of the power station in Delimara starts operating. I shudder when I think of it.
George Debono
Nov 2nd 2010, 15:12
In case anybody wished to read up about the scientific evidence of harmful effect of pollution - this is reviewed in Part IV of the Think Tank report "Towards a Low Carbon Society - the Nation's Health, Energy Security and Fossil Fuels." available at http://www.tppi.org.mt/cms/index.php/reports .
Maybe somebody at MEPA should also bother to read it - but to expect it will make any difference is simply hoping for too much.
George Debono
Nov 2nd 2010, 15:08
The situation is truly pathetic. The object of the authorities is to appear to be doing it right by sending good news to the EU- based either on being economical with the truth or supplying data which are not representative.
MEPA can claim that they are “doing/studies” After all they have a monitoring station at Msida and Corradino and these have shown that the pollution situation is not that bad after “correction” ….. But, as you say - It does not take an expert to sense the pollution our air because it is so obvious. It is also obvious that the monitoring stations are not giving a true representation of the pollution.
So MEPA is happy with the results and the EU continues being fooled onto thinking that all is rosy and hunky-dory in Malta whereas our noses tell another story--- while MEPA continues to be in denial about it all.
The worst scandal of all is the impunity of buses and almost every lorry which emits black smoke in fron of the police, ministers, --- the lot! This smoke is laden with toxic particles but nobody cares.
Tony Gatt
Nov 2nd 2010, 13:08
I suppose logically one day there will be nothing else to knock down. As for air pollution, one has only to stand at the ramparts at Mdina on a still day to see the grey cloud over the Sliema area.