Findings of a Report investigating the impact of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) on air quality have been presented to Northern Ireland district councils.

PAHs are carcinogenic pollutants and modelling work undertaken as part of the research suggests that there are higher levels of these substances in many urban centres across Northern Ireland than is allowed for under EU targets. This is caused mostly by households burning smoky coal.

Expressing his concern regarding the Report's findings and the potential health effects of this pollution Environment Minister Alex Attwood said: "Fuel is dearer here than in Britain and poverty levels are higher. People are burning smoky coal in smokeless areas to try and combat that. But it has consequences as this report highlights.

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"The burning of smoky coal in towns and cities across Northern Ireland, particularly in cold weather, is leading to relatively high levels of these pollutants in the air we breathe. I would encourage people to burn only smokeless coal. It is slightly more expensive, but scientific evidence shows that smokeless coal burns longer with a higher heat output which would negate the perceived savings on smoky coal."

Highlighting the important role councils should play Mr Attwood said: "Many of the areas exceeding the targets are where councils have introduced designated Smoke Control Areas. Within these areas the emission of smoke from domestic properties is restricted so householders should only be burning smokeless fuel in fireplaces. People need to be aware of the restrictions imposed within Smoke Control Areas and the potential consequences for local air quality of the fuel they choose to burn."

(CD/GK)