ARAB COUNTRIES PAYING DEARLY FOR VEHICLE EMISSIONS

By Abdul Muin Majid

DUBAI, Nov 13 (Bernama) -- Arab nations are spending more than US$5 billion
to overcome health issues caused by vehicle emissions, an international
conference was told here.

United Arab Emirates' (UAE) Environment and Water Minister Dr Rashid Ahmed
Bin Fahad said Arab countries suffered immensely from the impacts of both
primary and secondary air pollutants that led to an increase in respiratory
diseases, skin diseases and eye infections.

According to him, the repercussions were not confined to human health alone
as agricultural land, forests, water channels and marine environment were also
affected.

"Some of the lakes in our countries have turned into acid quagmires and
been
rendered unlivable due to high pollution levels.

"The economy has also suffered a lot in the shape of a gradual destruction
in infrastructure, electrical installations, iron structures and so on," said Dr
Fahad.

The minister called on the relevant parties to adopt the latest techniques
to monitor, control and manage air pollution.

"More in-depth research and studies should also be conducted to identify
the
health, social and economic impact of air pollution so that decision makers can
rely on them for future plans," he said.

The three-day EnviroCities 2008 International Conference, which carries the
theme "Sources and Health Effects of Air Pollution: Knowledge to Practice",
opened Tuesday.

-- BERNAMA