The Voivode of Silesia, formely Voivodship Inspector for Environmental Protection points out that in the last five years, the airborne emissions have steadily declined in the Upper Silesia. The particulate level fell by 56%, sulphur dioxide by 50%, nitric oxide by 44%, and carbon monoxide by 22%. This was coupled by anti-pollution devices retaining more dust and gas pollutants. The last decade saw the life expectancy of women extend by 3 years and that of men by 4 years. However, this is still below the national average - hence, the continuing pressure to keep up the environmental protection in the region.