Dr Ben Ewald told the Guardian that there were places in Australia that had a serious SO2 (sulphur dioxide) problem and limits were set well above what was needed to protect human health. The comments followed a Greenpeace report using satellite data to analyse the world’s worst sources of sulphur dioxide pollution, one of the main pollutants contributing to deaths from air pollution worldwide.
Dr Ewald stated the same was the case for nitrogen dioxide, another airborne pollutant.
“These pollutants can cause childhood asthma, lung disease, cancer, birth defects and reproductive issues.
“Australian governments must introduce tougher standards to protect community health.”
Dr Ben Ewald is a Newcastle GP and a member of Doctors for the Environment Australia
Read the full story in the Guardian which was published on 19 August 2019.
Further reading
Read the joint statement on health-based standards for Australian regulated thresholds of nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and ozone in ambient air.
DEA has made a submission to the Proposed variation to the Ambient Air Quality NEPM standards for ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide.
While submissions regarding a revision of the NEPM standards close on Wednesday 7 August, the environmental ministers, both state and federal, over the next weeks will continue to debate the issue. Add your voice for strong air pollution standards to ensure Australia follows international best practice and protects the health of Australians. Click here to send a letter to our elected representatives calling for stricter air pollution control.