Air pollution

Press, 9 July 1986, Page 16

Air pollution

Sir,—A. D. F. Neill (June 6) criticised the Clean Air Council for its approval of so-called clean-burning wood heaters and defended the open fire. Your article on air pollution (July 5) shows how right he was in his assumption that for the majority of the 24 hours these heaters are turned down low, emitting the type of pollution you describe in your article, whereas most open fires are only going for a few hours at night. I wonder just how many people have been hoodwinked into buying these heaters believing they were pol-lution-free. The Clean Air Council should have done its homework more thoroughly.—Yours, etc.,

N. C. WATSON. July 5, 1986.

Sir,—As a newcomer to the city I have noticed in two winters two major phenomena that affect us all. The first is the very strong and unpleasant smell of smoke and the second is the polarisation of opinion as to whether or not the smell is offensive. I have now lived in the four major centres, and I will admit that Christchurch’s reputation of high pollution is well-known in the rest of New Zealand, although, in fairness, all the main centres have their detrimental features. Auckland’s is humidity; Wellington’s is wind; Dunedin’s is rain; and Christchurch’s is smog. The pity of it all is that those other centres will never be able to be rid of their problem and become a perfect city.—Yours, etc.,

GRANT ANCELL. July 2, 1986.