Pollution report raises a number of questions

Readers discuss a new pollution report about air quality. Other topics: dashcams, double parking and the Apple Watch

Readers take issue with a new pollution report about air quality. Deepthi Unnikrishnan/The National

Regarding your article, Ministry questions report on UAE pollution levels (July 12), I think that some of the experts quoted should try living here. We experience a combination of dust, fine sand and fog in the air combined with natural rates of pollution. This is not new.

When we have moderate to strong winds, the dust levels go up because we are living in the desert. There is man made pollution — like everywhere — but we have to bear in mind the natural geography and climate of the country. Saying that the desert is polluted because it’s full of sand and dust doesn’t constitute a proper scientific conclusion. The Ministry of Environment is right to ask for more information about the report.

Name withheld by request

Sand and dust should be included in the scientific measurements of pollution levels like everywhere in the world because they are harmful to us. The fine sand particles in particular can remain trapped in our lungs for days.

Why then would anyone remove the dust and sand figures from such a scientific study? Scientific studies such as this one should not remove one factor to improve the overall results.

Marwan Salem, Abu Dhabi

Yes, the air is polluted where you see big cars and few trees to offset any pollution. But to say that this country has the worst pollution levels? I surely think Delhi and Bangkok and Shanghai are much more polluted than Abu Dhabi or Dubai.

Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi

Dashcams can improve safety

Concerning your article, UAE motorists and the dashcam dilemma (July 12), it is clear that a dashboard camera in a car can help with the problem of reckless drivers who speed and cut and drive like they are in a Hollywood film.

I think that many people would be surprised and horrified after reviewing a clip from a trip around Dubai or Abu Dhabi. For privacy protection, the cameras should just be to monitor a trip’s duration and then delete the footage as soon as you reach your destination safely without any incidents. Such cameras would be added protection against reckless and aggressive drivers for all of us.

Mi Uy, Dubai

This might be a great idea but we must keep in mind that according to UAE law it is illegal to photograph or video people without their permission. If this project is going to take off, there are going to have to be some serious discussions about the law.

John Paravalos, Dubai

Double parking is a problem

I read your report, Double parkers put UAE drivers in tight spot (July 12), and what I find to be the most annoying are the people who park illegally in the disabled spaces.

These people tend to be in fine health but show no respect for wheelchair users like my husband. Some people don’t even apologise and have no shame when they are called to move their car as if it is their right to park there because there was no other space available.

Gemma Wills, Abu Dhabi

A couple of years ago in Carrefour on Airport Road, a large car took over more than one spot next to my car. The passenger of the car banged her door into my car three times and then just drove off as if nothing had happen. This sort of thing wouldn’t happen in other places and I think that it is a very pressing issue that demands a solution.

Matthias Jokel, Germany

Apple Watch is the future

I enjoyed your opinion piece, Has time finally run out for the Apple Watch? (July 10). I have no doubt that the Apple Watch is a good product, but the problem for me lies in what it's attempting to replace.

For many people including myself, a watch is a special thing that lasts for years, not something that’s replaced every 24 months. Even for those who switch between multiple watches, it doesn’t work. If you want or become used to the functionality an Apple Watch provides, you need to wear it every day or it’s not much use, so you can’t, say, wear your Omega on Monday, your Breitling on Tuesday and your Apple Watch on Wednesday. I love Apple and everything to do with Apple, but the Watch isn’t for me.

Ben Adamson, Dubai

Like it or not, wearable technology is the future. One day this type of technology will replace everything including mobile phones and even computers.

John Paravalos, Dubai