Irresponsible garages who remove diesel particulate filters and by-pass the system are causing a serious health risk to themselves and everyone around them. That is one of the conclusions that can be drawn from new research published by the British Medical Journal which warns that there has been a sharp rise in heart attack cases in areas of higher pollution, with diesel emissions one of the main problems.

The study shows that living in the city increases the chance of having a heart attack by 13 per cent because air pollution is so high. It also says that long-term exposure to air pollution, especially particulate matter, increases the chance of heart problems, even at levels currently below European limits.

The study gathered data on some 100,000 people over a 12 year period and found a rise in particulate matter led to a higher chance of heart attacks and cases of unstable angina. The report concludes that its findings “support lowering of European limits for particulate air pollution to adequately protect public health." Previously carried out research suggests that particulate matter is responsible for 3.2 million deaths each year on a global basis.

The study provides some firm evidence on the need for particulate filters to be in place on diesel vehicles and functioning properly. These filters trap the vast majority of particulates and prevent these dangerous emissions escaping into the atmosphere, although they are by no means 100% efficient, hence the health concerns raised. Mechanics need to realise that these components do play a vital role in reducing emissions and removing them is very irresponsible. It also highlights the importance of DPF system maintenance so that the system can achieve regeneration and function properly.