This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Air quality report published
13/02/2003
Figures released today show that while air quality in
Scotland is generally of a good standard but there are high
concentrations of pollutants in some parts of Central
Scotland.
Deputy Environment Minister Allan Wilson revealed the
results of an Executive-funded study were presented at the
National Society for Clean Air's conference in
Edinburgh.
The findings will help to inform future Executive policy
on improving air quality and reducing any possible
associated adverse health impact from air pollutants.
The study shows that while air pollution levels are
generally low, there are occurrences in Central Scotland
where high pollutant concentrations occur due to a range of
sources, including transport and industry, which can, in
particular circumstances, have an effect on health
issues.
The figures are being released on the same day that the
Executive announced plans to improve public information
about progress in reducing pollution in Scotland.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency will launch a
comprehensive online pollution inventory in August 2005. It
will show, within a Geographic Information System
environment emissions from sites across Scotland, and
highlight the progress of measures taken to reduce
industrial pollution.
Mr Wilson said:
"Public health is, as always, a top priority for the
Executive and we take the views of our expert health
advisors very seriously. That is one of the reasons that we
funded this study.
"We have taken tough action on particles and oth er
pollutants, and will continue to do so. Indeed, our
objective for particles in Scotland is more stringent than
anywhere else in the UK.
"Our Air Quality Strategy sets out a comprehensive
framework of policy measures which aim to improve air
quality.
"For example, the Integrated Pollution Prevention and
Control regime will help to reduce emissions from a range
of industrial processes.
"We have also launched the Clean Up Scotland programme
which will cut pollution from HGVs, buses, taxis and other
commercial vehicles."