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The Diesel Decade

The number of diesel cars on our roads has massively increased in the last decade. Tom Heap reports on the unexpected impact on our health.

The air quality in our towns and cities has remained stubbornly filthy over the last ten years despite tightening regulations on the poisonous emissions our cars can legally belch out. That means more lung disease and more heart attacks.

New research is pointing the finger of suspicion at the dramatic rise in the number of diesel vehicles on our roads. Take a look at the data from car manufacturers and it seems that diesel engines are getting significantly cleaner. Independent monitoring suggests something very different- real cars driven in the real world can emit up to five times more of some pollutants than the manufacturers claim.

Tom Heap investigates the source of our pavement pollution and kicks off his campaign for cleaner air.

Producer: Alasdair Cross.

Available now

30 minutes

Last on

Wed 27 Aug 2014 21:00

MPs from the Environmental Audit Committee begin their air pollution investigation

MPs from the Environmental Audit Committee begin their air pollution investigation

Broadcasts

  • Tue 26 Aug 2014 15:30
  • Wed 27 Aug 2014 21:00

What has happened to the world's coral?

What has happened to the world's coral?

In 2016 reefs around the world the size of city blocks died. Here we explore why.

Podcast