Even though air quality in the UK is generally good, more needs to be done, especially in the cities, to reduce the harmful effects of air pollution. Air pollution has negative impacts on human health and the natural environment.

Air pollution in the UK has declined significantly over recent decades through measures to reduce pollution from transport, industrial and domestic sources. However, the rate of reduction is now levelling off for some key pollutants such as oxides of nitrogen.

Defra is taking action to better understand the evidence on air quality, and works with others at local, national and international levels to reduce air pollution. The links below provide more information about different work areas.

Further information

• Sources and impacts of air pollution
• Air pollution in the UK
• Reducing air pollutant emissions
• EU air quality policies
• Local air quality management
• Science and research
• Economic analysis
• Committees and fora
• Publications