Air Pollution - what it means for your health
HELPING TO REDUCE AIR POLLUTION
The Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland sets the framework for local action to reduce pollution. Local authorities monitor and assess air quality and prepare action plans where they identify pollution hot-spots. The Environment Agencies and local authorities are monitoring and regulating emissions from industry. The European Union and other international organisations are acting to reduce global pollution. The Government and devolved administrations have introduced a wide range of measures, which have substantially cut harmful emissions from road vehicles and encouraged people to use cleaner fuels and vehicles.
But everyone can do their bit to reduce air pollution, especially when pollution levels are high.
On
the road
Road vehicles are a major source of many pollutants in urban areas. They produce over 50 per cent of the emissions of nitrogen oxides and over 75 per cent of carbon monoxide emissions in the UK.
Before using your car, ask yourself:
- do I really need to make this journey?
- could I walk or cycle instead of taking the car?
- could I take a bus, tram or train?
- are the levels of air pollution already too high today?
If
you must drive:
- drive smoothly. You'll save fuel, and your engine will also pollute less;
- don't rev your engine unnecessarily;
- maintain your car. Keep the engine properly tuned and the tyres at the right pressure; and
- turn off the engine when your car is stationary.
At home
- Buy water-based or low-solvent paints, varnishes, glues and wood preservatives.
- Avoid burning solid fuels if possible. If you live in a smoke control area, burn only authorised smokeless fuels (your local authority can advise you).
- Avoid lighting bonfires, but if you must, don't light them when pollution levels are high or while the weather is still and cold. Only burn dry material and never burn household waste, especially plastic, rubber, foam or paint. Levels of pollution can be quite high on bonfire night and other events/festivals with bonfires, and sensitive people, including people with respiratory conditions, may notice some effects. However exposure can be considerably reduced by remaining indoors and keeping windows closed.
Page (HTML version) published 17 November 2002;
Page last modified
3 November, 2006