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Pollution control- air quality

Air Quality Monitoring - Broxbourne's air quality

Levels of air pollution we usually experience in the UK are unlikely to have any serious health effects in most people. However, young children, the elderly and those who suffer from respiratory problems may be more sensitive to air pollution. The Government uses Air Quality Bands to describe the impacts of different levels of air pollution on these sensitive individuals.

Air Quality Band	Impact on Health
Low (1-3)	Effects are unlikely to be noticed, even by people who know they are sensitive to air pollution.
Moderate (4-6)	Mild effects are unlikely to require action, but may be noticed by sensitive people.
High (7-9)	Sensitive people may notice significant effects, and may have to take action to reduce or avoid them (for example, by reducing time spent outdoors). Asthmatics will find that their 'reliever' inhaler is likely to reverse the effects of pollution on their lungs.
Very High (10)	The effects on sensitive people, described for 'high' levels of pollution, may worsen.

The air auality in Broxbourne is usually in the low banding. The Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire Air Pollution web site has more information about current air quality in the region.

How air quality is monitored

Broxbourne Council currently monitors the concentrations of two pollutants: particulates and nitrogen dioxide. Road transport is estimated to be responsible for about 50 per cent of total emissions of nitrogen oxides, power stations contributing another 25 per cent. Particulate matter in the atmosphere can be from natural sources such as sand or sea spray, and man made, such as construction dust or soot. Both pollutants can cause health problems for those with respiratory diseases. Diffusion tubes are used to measure nitrogen dioxide. These give an indication of pollution hotspots. There are currently seventeen tubes in representative locations of the Borough. Look here for monitoring results from these tubes. An automatic air quality monitoring station gives real time data on the levels of nitrogen dioxide and particulates. This data is more accurate and enables the current air quality to be assessed. This data can be viewed here.

Local Air Quality Management

The Environment Act 1995 requires Local Authorities to undertake a periodic review and assessment of air quality. The first review considered whether concentrations of seven key pollutants would exceed Government targets by a given deadline. Where the objectives are not likely to be achieved, the authority had to designate an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA). Three AQMAs were declared for Broxbourne along the M25; one in 2001 and the other two in 2004.

The Council has recently completed a detailed study of air quality in and around the Air Quality Management Area. The study confirmed the source of pollution being traffic on the M25, particularly Heavy Goods Vehicles. It recommended the enlargement of the Management Area. In order to improve air quality in these areas and the rest of the Borough, the Council has drawn up a list of measures in an air quality Action Plan. The Action Plan can be viewed here. The Stage Four Report is available here.

The Council has started a second round of review and assessment of air quality in the Borough. An Updating and Screening Assessment report (USA) reassesses the seven key pollutants against the UK air quality objectives. The report is available to read here. You can also access the the latest annual Progress Report on Air Quality for Broxbourne.