An estimated 9,000 lives have been saved since a ban on smoky coal was introduced in Dublin in 1990 and this ban needs to be extended nationwide as a matter of urgency, the Asthma Society of Ireland (ASI) has said.

Some 470,000 people in Ireland have asthma, including one in every five children. Smoky coal is known to have a detrimental effect on those with the condition.

This type of coal was first banned in Dublin in 1990, and following the success of this, the ban was rolled out to other large towns and cities over the following years. However, many people are unaware that its use is still allowed in certain parts of the country.

At an ASI event to discuss the dangers of smoky coal on Wednesday, Dr Alan Lockwood, a US neurologist and expert on the effects of smoky coal on health, insisted that Ireland's children, especially those with asthma and other lung diseases, ‘can't wait much longer for a ban on smoky coal'.

"Every day that they are exposed to coal-derived pollutants is a day that their health is in danger. To these, add patients with cardiovascular disease, those at risk of stroke, and those whose chronic exposure to these pollutants increases the probability for developing lung and other cancers,' he said.

He explained that a ban on smoky coal will reduce the production of coal ash, which is a source of exposure to arsenic and other metals that can damage health.

"Experience tells us that a smoky coal ban is effective, inexpensive to introduce and saves lives. In short, it's the right thing to do and there is no time to waste," Dr Lockwood added.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister for the Environment, Alan Kelly, said that while consumers ‘must become more aware of their choice in home heating fuel', the Government also has a major role to play.

"My department is working on a range of initiatives, including a North- South policy study to consider how best to bring about a shift to cleaner, more sustainable fuels for home heating," he noted.

The ASI called on the Minister to expedite this study.

Meanwhile, according to ASI CEO, Sharon Cosgrove, it is ‘vital that action is taken soon'.

"It's unacceptable that air quality in small towns and rural areas is often worse than in major towns and cities and we need to move to more efficient, cleaner fuels. Now is the time to act to prevent any further unnecessary loss of life," she said.

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