The Breath Clean Air Group is appealing for donations to carry on testing for damaging fumes around the M60, in preparation for the controversial Davyhulme biomass incinerator.
BCAG have already started a programme to monitor the air pollution in the Davyhulme and Urmston area, so that they can get a base line before the Davyhulme incinerator becomes operational.
They are currently detecting high levels of nitrogen dioxide near the M60 motorway, but need further funding to carry measuring the potentially harmful levels.
BCAG Chairman Pete Kilvert has said: “The M60 motorway is the highest source on nitrogen dioxide in the area and some of the results already exceed the safety limit of 40 units (micrograms per cubic metre)
“Air pollution causes lung and heart diseases, strokes, cancer and premature death. It has been associated with autism, Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes.
“We have to keep our air clean to save lives in our community.”
MM previously reported on this back in March when the testing had been under-way for three months.
Mr Kilvert told MM the main causes of the high levels of nitrogen dioxide are, exhaust fumes, electricity generation, domestic heating and industrial processes.
Nitrogen dioxide is a very harmful gas, as it increases the likelihood of heart problems due to inflaming the lining of the lungs, which can lead to lung infections.
It also has a very significant impact on asthma suffers; children and older people are more at risk, of having more frequent and intense attacks.
Mr Kilvert said: “Although BREP is not built yet, any addition on top of this already high figure will increase the risk of ill health in our neighbourhood.”
Although the plans for the incinerator are not due to be finished until 2016, the Breathe Clean Air Group is keen to get the air pollution levels decreased before this happens.
Even without the incinerator, there are plenty of other factors affecting the air in Greater Manchester.
Mr Kilvert said these include two gas-fired power stations and the paper mill incinerator in Carrington, Port Salford with predicted exhaust emissions from ships, barges, railway locomotives, container loaders and carriers and many HGVs.
Additionally, coal bed methane (fracking) wells in Davyhulme; and further developments in Trafford Park, which will attract even more vehicles.
The Breathe Clean Air Group needs the public’s help to make the air in Greater Manchester cleaner.
They are looking for individuals or local businesses to sponsor part of the air pollution programme.
Mr Kilvert added: “The future developments will add more heavy metals, especially arsenic, and Particulate Matter.
“That’s why BCAG is appealing for donations to carry our more sophisticated and expensive air testing.”
Those who wish to contribute can send a cheque payable to The Breathe Clean Air Group, 16 Blinco Road, Urmston, Manchester, M41 9NF.
Alternatively, email [email protected] asking for the group’s bank details and follow the instructions.
Image courtesy of Timo Newton-Syms, with thanks.
