Pollution in big NZ cities at world levels: Experts

Auckland and Christchurch commuters are exposed to air pollution levels similar to those found in other large cities around the world, a study reveals.

It examined the quality of air commuters in the two cities breathed.

The research was led by University of Canterbury professor of geography, Simon Kingham.

"The results show that, compared to other countries, the air that commuters breathe while travelling is cleaner for carbon monoxide, but similar for fine particulates for some of the world's biggest cities," Professor Kingham said.

This was especially significant as Auckland and Christchurch had comparatively less congestion and lower volumes of traffic than other large cities around the world.

Results showed those taking private cars were worse off than those who took public transport or cycled to work.

"The air inside motor cars is generally more polluted than the air in buses, trains and for cyclists," Professor Kingham said.

The study, which was published in the international journal Environmental Pollution, was one of the first research projects into air pollution in smaller cities with relatively little traffic congestion and no long-range transport of pollutants.

Investigating the issue of air pollution and gauging how significant it was in a small city such as Christchurch was important, he said.

"It has been estimated that each year there are 500 cases of premature death in New Zealand due to exposure to air pollution."

The Transport Agency and the Foundation for Research Science and Technology funded the study.APNZ