Air Pollution:A variety of air pollutants have known or suspected harmful effects on human health and the
environment. In most areas of Europe, these pollutants are principally the products of
combustion from space heating, power generation or from motor vehicle traffic. Pollutants from
these sources may not only prove a problem in the immediate vicinity of these sources but can
travel long distances, chemically reacting in the atmosphere to produce secondary pollutants
such as acid rain or ozone. The leaflets on the right provide information on air quality and health:  |
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Health Effects |
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Air Pollution - what it means for your health - This booklet is designed to be an easy guide to the Air Pollution Information Service.
It explains:
- how to access the Service
- the levels of air pollution the Service describes
- the pollutants covered by the Service include:
Nitrogen Dioxide
Sulphur Dioxide
Ozone
Particles (PM10)
Carbon Monoxide
Benzene
1,3-Butadiene
- the health effects of different levels of air pollution
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Latest pollution information is also available on Teletext (page 156).
The Service gives regionally based summaries and detailed information on current pollution
levels, as well as forecasts for the next 24 hours. Main features
- Information on air pollution levels for seven separate pollutants updated every hour, day
and night
- Daily regional forecasts of air pollution levels
- Pollution levels are described based on the latest medical and scientific research
- Air pollution level reports from over 100 automatic monitoring sites across the UK
Click here for an explanation of the banding and index system used in the service. Air Pollution and Health PackAn information pack giving both indoor and outdoor air quality issues is
available from the Department of Health. It includes a series of factsheets giving details of
contact organisations, helplines, websites, official reports and other materials and also copies
of leaflets, booklets and other information. To get hold of a free copy write to:
Department of Health Publications Centre,
PO Box 410,
Wetherby,
LS23 7LN |
Winter and Summer Smog
Summer Smog:
Caused by mixture of pollutants from:- road vehicles
- fuels used to provide electricity and heating in offices, factories and homes
- vapours from petrol and certain industrial premises
Formed by:- Action of sunlight on these pollutants forms low-level ozone close to the ground
Winter Smog:
Caused by mixture of pollutants from:- road vehicles
- fuels used to provide electricity and heating in offices, factories and homes
Formed by:- Pollutants building up at ground level in urban areas. The 'lid' of cold air above the warm air
traps the pollutants
This may occur on cold, calm days, often after a clear, cloudless night and an early-morning frost or mist close
to the ground. We can all help to cut air pollution. The leaflet gives some simple hints on what you can do to
help reduce harmful smog.
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What should we do? |
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Here are some simple hints. These are especially important when pollution levels are high.
On the road
- Road vehicles are a major source of air pollution in urban areas - they are responsible for over
half the nitrogen dioxide emissions and over 75% of carbon monoxide in the UK
- Avoid using your car for short journeys - 2.5 km (~1.5 miles) or less
- If possible, don't use your car at all during periods of high pollution
- Start your engine only once you are ready to move off
- Don't rev the engine unnecessarily
- Drive smoothly. Heavy braking and rapid acceleration means you use more fuel and increase pollution
- Keep to the speed limit
- Maintain your car. Keep the engine properly tuned and the tyres at the right pressure
- Use public transport whenever you can
DIY
- Use water-based or low-solvent products - paints, glues, varnishes, wood preservatives, etc.
- In the garden Don't light a bonfire when air pollution levels are high Never burn household
waste, especially plastics and rubber
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