Barbara. It's interesting - one should be concerned about COVID-19 as there are a number of uncertainties while research into it is in progresses. However, some things are emerging: that it seems to have very little impact on children and younger people, and even in the most affected groups at least 90% of people survive. Those that don't survive may well have died prematurely of their other underlying ailment - what we don't know it to what extent C19 accelerated those deaths.Whereas with air pollution, including NO2, research indicates this reduces lung capacity in children something that, although it can be halted, cannot be reversed: so effectively once a child's lung capacity is reduced it will have to live with that for its lifetime and it may have long term affects and probvably reduced life expectancy. That's a major concern, I include some research notes below from the Putney Society ULEZ meeting.I was pointing out that, like it our not, we need to use the EU benchmarks which, as far as I know, are scientifically sound and I don't believe the UK has any alternatives at present. Personally, I think the risk for pollution is a far more serious long term threat than another coronavirus variant which may cause serious short term issues but will probably subside in several months time? Wearing masked is a personal decision but may not be that effective in protection against viruses or pollution. Possibly my response was a little flippant after a couple of glasses of red wine with old university friends, all solid anti Brexit and pro EU 🙂https://www.putneysociety.org.uk/putney_society_files/Transport-Panel/ULEZ_Meeting_Presentations_Oct2019/Ian_Mudway_Kings_College.pdf
Michael Ixer ● 2284d