DEFRA have issued a High pollution warning for London on 20th January. It’s been reported that East and Central London were worst hit, with poor air quality reported. When air pollution is forecasted as “high” DEFRA recommend people with lung complaints and heart problems should reduce physical exertion – especially if that takes place outdoors, and especially so if they experience any symptoms. The same goes for those that suffer from Asthma.
London Air Pollution:
In October the Mayor of London produced a report titled, “PM2.5 in London. Roadmap to Meeting World Health Organisation Guidelines by 2030.”
What is PM2.5?
PM2.5, also known as fine particulate matter, refers to particles or liquid droplets in the air that have a diameter less than 2.5 micrometres across. Some PM2.5 is naturally occurring, such as dust and sea salt, and some is manmade, such as particulates from vehicle exhausts. It is PM2.5, which is a particular threat as it can so easily pass deep into the body, due to the tiny size.
How is Pollution Measured?
The government use DAQI (Daily Air Quality Index). This is an index, which is designed on a 10 point scale to measure pollution. More Info. This system measures a wide range of things, which include Nitrogen Dioxide, Sulphur Dioxide, PM2.5 and PM10. Below is the scoring, which looks at PM2.5.
It is very easy to see the scales and intervals, which determine the likely impact on the population in the vicinity.
If you live in London can you have a Stove?
The simple answer is yes.
Sadiq Khan stirred up a great deal of debate and some would say confusion when a while back he announced a clamp down on solid fuel appliances in the capital.
The main issue was that Sadiq Khan wrote to the then Environment Secretary Michael Gove, to ask for more powers that would enable him to introduce “zero-emission zones” in London, where the burning of wood and coal would be totally prohibited. This however, was not including Ecodesign Ready stoves, but open fires and the use of old, inefficient stoves, both of which are air pollution “offenders” – where Ecodesign Ready stoves, thanks to their incredibly high levels of efficiency, are considered an “ally” of the movement towards cleaner air and efficient heating appliances.
Learn more about our Ecodesign Stoves at https://www.charltonandjenrick.co.uk/products/stoves/
