So, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, along with Dr Mark Britton of the British Lung Foundation, have reported the air pollution around Gatwick Airport is excessive by "European standards" and demanded BAA should bring emissions into line with European limits.

In defence a BAA spokesman blamed the traffic on the M23/25. What else could he say?

Well, what he could have pointed out is that Gatwick is a major international airport which has expanded over the years, with full Government approval, to become one of the world's busiest airports in both passenger and cargo traffic.

To achieve this success, the airport has required lots and lots of jet aircraft, and all the fumes they bring with them, because the airport simply would not function without them.

I sympathise with people who suffer chest or lung complaints but you just can't expect to live near to, or visit, a major airport and expect low pollution.

Although some experts would have us believe otherwise, we are not at such a point yet. The technology required does not exist and, until it does, we have to accept the obvious "cause and effect".

In Monaco, where most residents can afford any address in the world, there is the annual Grand Prix, a full weekend of ear-shattering, nostril-burning octane woven through the narrow streets of Monte Carlo.

It has been going on for years, yet not one resident has complained or fallen ill as a result. Perhaps they are overdue a visit from our environmental police.

-Paul Butterfill, Hove