Sea breeze could be full of deadly toxins

November 25, 2015  12:25

Taking in the sea air might not be as good for you as previously thought.

Breathing in deep lungfuls of bracing fresh air has generally been regarded as a restorative measure.

But a new study published in specialist science journal Oceanologia reveals that sea air actually contains a lot of “hazardous nanoparticles” thanks to ocean traffic.

They sound as bad as they are; these nanoparticles could cause heart disease, lung problems and other illnesses.

This toxic pollution is caused by ferries, tankers, container ships and other sea-faring vessels, coupled with emissions from factories and cars, which conjoin with sea-based particles.

South-westerly winds from mainland Europe and heavy traffic in the English Channel make the south coast of England more prone to these dangerous particles than some other areas.

The researchers at Sweden’s Lund University, led by Adam Kristensson, looked at air flow across coastal areas of Sweden. They found that some particles travel hundreds of miles across the sea to reach shore.

Kristensson said: “This is the first time an attempt has been made to estimate the proportion of nanoparticles stemming from sea traffic. The different types of nanoparticles have previously not been distinguished, but this new method makes it possible.

"Previously, we thought that land-based pollution from northern European countries and emissions of natural particles from the surface of the sea accounted for a much larger proportion.”

The scientists hope to use the findings to lobby for shipping emissions caps in an effort to clean up the dangerous sea air.

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