Air pollution linked to stroke admissions

There is a correlation between air pollution and stroke admissions in Ireland, an Oireachtas committee has been told. 

Dr Colm Byrne, from the Irish Doctors for the Environment, carried out the research. He told the joint committee that air pollution from cars affects respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. 

Dr Byrne said: ‘Our research has demonstrated a correlation between traffic-produced air pollution and stroke admissions in this country.

‘This is in line with international studies that have demonstrated that there is no such thing as a safe level of air pollution, and recent changes to WHO guidelines have reflected this reality.

‘There are, however, other effects of cars to human health than just tailpipe emissions. All cars, including electric-propelled cars, produced particulate matter from other sources such as tyre wear and brake pads.’

Dr Bryne also said that noise pollution is increasingly being recognised as a major health issue, with cardiovascular disease, stroke, and dementia among others, associated with noise pollution.

Damien O Tuama, the national cycling coordinator at Cyclist.ie, told the Irish Examiner: ‘For e-bikes, it’s not just about decarbonising transport, they’re very much at the heart of decongesting Irish towns and cities and villages, and really making the board more economically vibrant.

‘They improve the liveability of towns because more spaces opened up for business of the public space. Crucially, they improve public health through being active travel vehicles themselves, you only get the kick from the electric power when you pedal yourself.’