By Martin Hellicar
LEVELS of atmospheric pollutants in Nicosia are within acceptable limits, with the exception of ozone and particulates, the Environment Advisory body heard yesterday.
The body held one of its regular meetings yesterday, chaired by Agriculture Minister Costas Themistocleous, to discuss a whole gamut of environmental topics, including energy, atmospheric pollution and hunting issues.
According to an official announcement, a Labour Ministry expert told the body that regular checks were carried out on air quality in Nicosia using three detector vans. Measurements made in April 1993 and March 1999 showed that only ozone and particulates were at dangerous levels. These levels were not specified.
Ozone is a major smog generator, while both ozone and particulates are known to exacerbate asthma and other breathing complaints.
A recent study by an independent epidemiologist suggested about one in four Nicosia residents had dangerously high concentrations of lead in their blood. But government readings apparently record no particular lead pollution problem in the capital.
The Labour Ministry man told the Environment Advisory body that there were plans to extend atmospheric pollution checks to other areas of the island.
The body considered ways of reducing atmospheric pollution, the announcement stated. These included encouraging a reduction in car usage, regular inspections of cars and improving fuel quality.
The government has to phase out leaded petrol by 2005 and vastly reduce the sulphur content of locally refined diesel if it is to meet EU requirements.
A Labour Ministry expert also told the body there was much room for reducing energy consumption, and therefore pollution, in Cyprus.
The island has very high per capita energy consumption and there was plenty of scope for developing renewable energies like wind and solar power, the official announcement stated.
Carbon dioxide emissions, at almost nine tonnes per person per annum, are almost twice as high in Cyprus as they are in the US.
Turning to hunting, the body decided to set aside a special session to review the impact shooting had on the island’s ecosystem.
The government announcement reiterated that it was state policy to preserve and increase the populations of game species.
Tens of thousands of partridges and hares are captive-bred and released every year to provide targets for hunters’ guns.
