At least 8,000 lives have been saved in Dublin since the introduction of the smoky coal ban in 1990 and a further 2,000 lives could be saved every year if this ban was introduced nationwide, 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.

Last year, the Minister for the Environment, Phil Hogan, said that he envisaged a total ban on the use of smoky coal within the next three years. In anticipation of this, the ASI is appealing to householders who still use smoky coal, to make the switch now to smokeless coal, or an alternative clean fuel. This will help to reduce asthma symptoms and ultimately save lives.

"While we have made significant strides in recent years with many urban areas of Ireland now covered by a smoky coal ban, until an all-island ban is implemented, policing these regional bans is difficult and hundreds of thousands of people still breathe pollutants from smoky coal every day," noted Dr Dermot Nolan, a GP and member of the ASI's medical advisory group.

He said that he sees the effects that smoky coal can have on vulnerable people, such as those with asthma and other lung diseases, ‘on a daily basis'.

Meanwhile, a survey of ASI members revealed that one in five had suffered an asthma attack as a result of breathing in smoke from a coal fire.

A majority of ASI members are in favour of an all-island smoky coal ban and most do not burn coal at all, or only use the smokeless version.

"Ireland has the fourth highest prevalence of asthma worldwide. The dangers of smoky coal on public health are well documented and it is also a commonly known asthma trigger. We believe the Government has a responsibility to eliminate dangerous pollutants in the air that trigger and exacerbate this potentially fatal condition.

"The success of the smoking ban shows that Ireland can be a leader in lung health in Europe and that is something for which we should all strive," commented Niamh Kelly, information coordinator with the ASI.

For more information on asthma, see our Asthma Clinic here