February 22, 2005

Industrial Sources Now Small Contributors
of Dioxin Emissions in England and Wales

Dioxin emissions from regulated industrial sources in England and Wales were cut by 83 percent between 1990 and 2003, according to a February 9 press release by the Anglo-Welsh Environment Agency. Currently, the largest dioxin sources in the U.K. are unregulated.

In addition to dramatic declines in dioxin emissions, there have been similar cuts in fine particulate matter, lead and sulfur dioxide. U.K. air quality has improved, according to the Environment Agency, as a result of regulatory controls, industry changes and improvements in vehicle emissions and fuel standards. To meet future air quality goals, further controls will focus on electricity generation and road and air transport.