I am responding to the letter “Dust particles and air quality” by Peter Gingell from Mepa’s communication office (TMIS, 16 May).

I must state that during my talk to the Malta Asthma Society I quoted a local scientific paper from a reputable source [Vella A., Camilleri R. Xjenza 2005: 10p. 47-54] stating that fine dust particles from quarrying and construction in the air in Malta were 37 times higher than accepted guideline values. At no time did I state that these dust particles were from traffic pollution and power generation installations.

It would have been ideal had Mr Gingell contacted me to enquire about my talk before writing his letter based on second-hand information which was ‘incorrect and wide off the mark’.

Professor Stephen Montefort

Consultant Respiratory Physician