Cars are the smallest single transport-related source

The environmental scare currently in vogue is PM10: particles of 10 microns or smaller diameter, which are predominant components of emissions to air by some industrial processes, by power stations and are also found in diesel exhaust fumes.

They are reported to accelerate the decline in the health of those already suffering from lung and heart diseases, hence prematurely hastening the deaths of such sufferers. One report has suggested that this source contributes to between 2,000 and 10,000 UK deaths annually. That is 6000 deaths, give or take 4000 per annum.

The fact that the huge uncertainty in the estimate is two-thirds of its average value; and that the alleged "victims" of this phenomenon are already predisposed to be affected by it through other ailments brought on by unhealthy occupational conditions or lifestyle choices (e.g., cigarette smoking) shows the gross imprecision of the method used.

One must also realise that even at the uppermost estimate this represents only about 4% of annual UK deaths.

Now to the key point:
Through the joint efforts of two Government-appointed bodies, the Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollution and the Expert Panel on Air Quality Standards (EPAQS), the sources of PM10 have been estimated. Petrol transport sources contribute only 5% of PM10s. Diesel transport sources; i.e., the buses, taxis and diesel rail locos so-beloved of the anti-car lobby, contribute nearly four times this amount (19%).

And this is despite the overwhelming numerical superiority of (predominantly petrol-driven) cars.

It would appear to be high time, for the sake of everyone's well-being, that the supporters of public transport brought pressure to bear on operators and manufacturers to clean up their act to match that of the private, petrol-driven car!

If the above makes sense, then you should Join the ABD!

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