The Irish Government is considering banning all types of industrial particulates and reducing their exposure, after a series of deaths in recent years.
Key points:Industrial pollution can cause health problems for people and animals, and is not considered a health hazard in the EUIndustrial particulates, which include fine particles, are commonly found in the air and water and cause breathing problems and other respiratory problemsIndustrial chemicals, which are typically sourced from plants and other industrial activities, can be hazardous and cause harm, including heart attacks, cancer and respiratory problemsSome industrial pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides, can cause respiratory problems and cancer in some people, but are not considered to be harmful to health in the European UnionIndustrial emissions can also affect air quality in rural areas, where people are not expected to breathe heavily, and can cause a variety of other health problems, the Government said.
The Government is now considering whether to include industrial particulations in the ban.
“There is a significant risk of a major increase in air pollution in the Northern Ireland region and the surrounding area due to industrial pollution.
We need to consider the risks associated with this,” said Environment Minister Brendan Howlin.”
The Government will take a range of measures, including restrictions on the importation of goods into the region, as well as restrictions on exports of certain industrial products, to protect the health of our residents and our environment.”
In a statement on Thursday, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) said it is “deeply concerned” by recent cases of breathing problems linked to the use of industrial chemicals.
“Our advice is that we urge people to continue to minimise their exposure to these chemicals, and that they limit their use of household air cleaners, cleaning agents, household chemicals, household cleaners and household products to reduce the risk of exposure to industrial pollutants,” said the HPA.
“We are also concerned that people who have previously been exposed to industrial emissions in the region are still breathing heavily and may experience breathing difficulties in the coming weeks.”
The Government has already said it would impose a ban of some industrial products within its Northern Ireland borders if they were found to be contributing to the region’s air quality.
Industrial waste, which can cause breathing difficulties, has also been banned in Northern Ireland.
Industry Minister Dr Declan Flanagan said on Thursday the Government would consider how to protect communities, but that it was working closely with the Irish and European authorities on the issue.
“As part of our response to the recent health crises in Northern England, the government has now agreed to a ban, including all types and amounts of industrial pollutants.
The ban will be reviewed as more information becomes available,” Dr Flanagan’s statement said.”
In line with the guidance from the European Commission, the Irish Government has made it clear that it will take action to protect Northern Ireland’s environment, including by taking all necessary steps to minimising the impact of industrial pollution on local communities and the wider region.”
All the measures announced by the Government will be in place in the wake of the latest health crisis, and the Irish government remains committed to working with the relevant authorities to ensure that the public health of the people of Northern Ireland is protected.
“Dr Flanagan has also announced a ban for all imported chemicals, including aluminium and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and has warned that any products containing these materials could pose a significant health risk.”
It is imperative that we remain vigilant against the risk that our own people and our industry are creating as a result of industrial waste that is being imported,” he said.