Urgent Proposal for Health Warning Labels on Fossil Fuels and Solid Fuels

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), between 1,300 to 1,700 premature deaths occur in Ireland each year because of poor air quality. The EPA states that the main sources of this pollution are solid fuel burning and traffic emissions. It also notes links to cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, dementia, type 2 diabetes, and neonatal mortality.

For comparison, the HSE states that approximately 5,200 deaths each year occur as result of smoking.

While smoking remains a major public health threat, air pollution is also causing a very significant death toll and chronic illness burden. Yet tobacco products carry clear health warnings, while fuels that create harmful pollution often do not.

We therefore submit that all petrol, oil, diesel, coal, peat, wood fuels, and other solid fuels sold in Ireland should be required to carry prominent health warnings, similar in principle to tobacco warnings.

These warnings should clearly state that burning these fuels contributes to:

Consumers deserve clear information about the health consequences of products they purchase and use. Public warning labels would help raise awareness, encourage cleaner alternatives, and support national public health and climate goals. They would also help us find a clearer path towards gaining energy independence by encouraging reduced fuel use and greater support for clean, home-grown renewables such as solar and wind.

Ireland has shown leadership before with tobacco control. We now need similar honesty and courage regarding polluting fuels.

We ask both Government and Opposition parties to support legislation requiring health warnings on these products.

Yours faithfully,