When we talk about incredible levels of air pollution and smog, the first thing that comes into our mind is China. However, we may also want to direct our attention to Scotland.
According to an environment-oriented organization called Friends of the Earth, the levels of air pollution in Scotland have gone beyond the country's and European's limits. This means that it's so close to creating a health crisis among its people.
While there are many possible pollutants in the air, the group measured two of the most toxic ones: particulates that come from vehicles running on diesel and nitrogen oxide, which can be toxic when inhaled.
Speaking on behalf of the organization, Emilia Hanna highlighted the government's failure to control air pollution in the country. Air pollution is more serious in urban areas, which is understandable since it has the most number of vehicles and buildings that may emit harmful gases into the air. However, there are also specific streets that pose the highest levels of air pollutants-much higher than they were more than a year ago. These include Whitehall Street in Dundee, Queensferry Road, St. John's Road, and West Bridge Street in Falkirk.
The organization acknowledges that the government is doing something, but the actions are labelled as "painfully slow." For example, the government promised a new strategy on low emission, which should have been released by the end of 2014. However, until today, not much of it can be heard. This plan is so essential since it outlines the policies that the government will implement to improve the condition of air. According to Hanna, this is a blueprint that can save many lives annually.
Meanwhile, the government stresses that it's working hard to promote better air quality including collaborating with more than 30 local councils. Based on their data, air pollution has declined since more than 20 years ago and that it's expected to go down further in the next few years.