Air pollution

Press, 29 August 1980, Page 12

Air pollution

Sir, — John J. Forster (August 25) is disappointed because the Government has not assisted in reducing air pollution in Christchurch. Yet Mr Gair is acutely aware of the problem, though the Health Department concentrates its publicity against cigarette smoking. Although I am personally convinced that some 40,000 people here . are adversely affected in health by air pollution, the-medical ; authorities will do little to--reduce atmospheric smoke unless there is an equivalent report to that of the 1964 United States Public Health Service which condemned cigarette smoking. In my view a study of industrial environment legislation shows that “establishment” health organisations are very slow to act; the scourge of asbestosis is a particular example of tardiness to take preventive action. I water is really flowing over the hydro-dams, then the Government must have pressing political reasons for not helping us by reducing; domestic power charges here. Yours, etc., PATRICK NEARY,* August 26, 1980., ■