This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Tighter Regulations For Air Quality
07/04/2000
A stricter regime to tackle air quality problems comes into force today with the introduction of the Air Quality (Scotland) Regulations.
The new regulations will provide the statutory mechanism for local authorities to review and assess air quality against the National Air Quality objectives and take any necessary action at local level if they identify an air quality pollution "hot-spot".
Welcoming the new regulations, Sarah Boyack said:
"Tackling air pollution is one of our top environmental priorities. We aim to cut air pollution by up to 62 per cent within the next five years as part of our National Air Quality Strategy.
"Poor air quality can trigger asthma attacks and can exacerbate the condition of those already experiencing ill health. It contributes to the hospitalisation and early death of thousands of people.
"The introduction of these new regulations will put in place the legal back up to ensure the tough objectives set out in the National Air Quality Strategy are met."
BACKGROUND
1. The regulations will replace the Air Quality Regulations 1997 (SI 3043/97). This is necessary to give legal effect in Scotland to the new air quality objectives in the revised Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, published on 19 January 2000.
2. Publication of the revised Air Quality Strategy followed the review of the UK National Air Quality Strategy which was originally published in 1997. The revised Strategy, to deliver cleaner air more quickly, strengthens the health-based objectives for five of the eight pollutants:- benzene, 1,3 butadiene, carbon monoxide, lead and nitrogen dioxide. The objective for sulphur dioxide has been strengthened in part. Ozone remains unchanged and is not included in the regulations due to its transboundary nature.
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