HM Government of Gibraltar has responded to UK press coverage of the WHO's latest report on Air Pollution.

In a statement released today, Government have stated that WHO guidelines are set at 10 ug m-3 for PM2.5 and Gibraltar’s measured concentrations at Rosia Road exceed them.

'These guidelines are stricter than EU levels, which under the Air Quality Directive are set as Stage 1 Limit Value (25 ug m-3) and the Stage 2 Limit Value (20 ug m-3). Gibraltar does not exceed the Stage 1 or Stage 2 LV and the trend shows a decline over recent years. While Gibraltar levels of these particles are below EU requirements and as can be seen in the attached graph are declining, the Government is not satisfied and continues to work to reduce this further.'

The statement continues to explain that there is a limit to how much this is achievable, as a portion of this 12-13 ug m-3 measured will come from sources outside Government control such as sea salt and African dust.

'Both sea salt, and in particular African dust from the Sahara will be higher in Gibraltar than in the UK locations quoted in the report due to our geographical locations. Nevertheless Government is fully committed to reducing PM 2.5. One contributing factor is the burning of diesel. All use of diesel for power generation at our old power stations and at our temporary generators will stop this year following the commissioning of the new LNG power station. This will have a significant impact in reducing this type of pollution as well as others and is a measure that Government is introducing largely in order to tackle air quality as a whole. Another measure is the Sustainable Traffic Plan, which includes steps to encourage less use of cars and to reduce speed (such as speed cameras). Further measures will be announced shortly together with a wide range of other environmental plans.'

      Note: The Upper two lines are the two U standards. The lower line is WHO guidelines and the green is Gib levels.