AN ENVIRONMENTAL group has written to authorities to call for action on emissions from ships in the port of Almeria City.
The Spanish Ecologists in Action group has also requested a meeting with officials from the Junta de Andalucia. The group said pollution from ships had swept across several houses in the area which could cause harm to residents.
“The emissions contain Clinker (Hexavalent chromium) and Gypsum (crystalline silica) which can cause cancer, eye, skin and lung problems, as well as harm women during pregnancy,” the group said.
The ecologists added south-westerly winds had caused pollution from ships moored around 200 metres from homes to blow over them.
“Most of the ships are very old and do not meet all the necessary technical improvements required, and use an absolutely harmful fuel,” the group said.
The environmentalists added locals were also being affected by noise and light pollution, claiming the area around Almeria’s Provincial Hospital was being exposed to sounds above 50 decibels.
“Also spotlights oriented disproportionately towards the houses causing harmful light emissions,” the group said.
The Ecologists have called on the port authority to draw up measures to tackle the pollution and to meet with the group.
