Bedford Driving Lessons

Researchers found that air in the immediate vicinity of garages is often polluted and can harm local residents. Scientists from the University of Murcia studied the effects of contamination at petrol stations that is potentially harmful to health. Experts say it shows that a “minimum” distance of 50 yards should be maintained between petrol stations and housing. A 100 yards minimum distance should apply to “especially vulnerable” facilities such as hospitals, health centres, schools and old people’s homes. Marta Doval, co-author of the study and a researcher at the Spanish university, said: “Some airborne organic compounds such as benzene, which increases the risk of cancer have been recorded at petrol stations at levels above the average levels for urban areas where traffic is the primary source of emission.” The study, which has been published in the Journal of Environmental Management, shows that the air at petrol stations and in their immediate surroundings is above all affected by emissions stemming from evaporated vehicle fuels which are unburnt fuels from fuel loading and unloading operations, refuelling and liquid spillages. More