EUROPE STILL FIGHTING AGAINST AIR POLLUTION

15/02/2005 - Full house: Experts from all over Europe convened at the EEA on 2-3 June for the second meeting of the European Environment and Health CommitteeHigh level European policymakers meet on 2-3 June 2005 in Copenhagen, at the new European Environment and Health Committee (EEHC) to examine how much progress has been made since last June when 52 countries agreed to reduce children's exposure to air pollution.

European cities are particularly aware of the pressure on them to reduce traffic-related air pollution since new EU limit values came into force in January 2005 and many cities were found to regularly breach those limits. 'Tackling air pollution, particularly from road vehicles can be very cost effective', says Jacqueline McGlade, Executive Director of the European Environment Agency. 'Curbing the use of vehicles delivers many health and environmental benefits ranging from improved children's health, less accidents and noise, and reduced damage to plants, water and buildings.' In Germany, for instance, strategies to reduce emissions of air pollutants from transport-related sources are being explored at the local, regional and national levels. In particular, economic incentives are proposed for diesel cars with filters.