Report criticises proposed EU emission limits

Proposed EU industrial emission limits for industry are not low enough, according to a report published today by Greenpeace.

The proposed limits are for an update to the EU Industrial Emissions Directive, which would come into place by February, 2016. They cover a range of pollutants, including sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, mercury and particulate matter, all of which have negative impacts on human health, including lung health.

The report recommends much lower limits, citing that the US, China and Japan are all already achieving lower emission rates than those put forward by the EU.

In the report, Greenpeace state that lowered emissions could bring about a range of benefits, including saving over €50 billion between 2020 and 2029 on healthcare costs and sick days, and could stop over 70,000 avoidable deaths.

Find out more about the Healthy Lungs for Life campaign, which is raising awareness of the importance of clean air.