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.
If you would like further information of air quality please see
the Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire Air Pollution link below.
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Air Quality Band
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Impact on Health
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Low (1-3)
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Effects are unlikely to be noticed, even by
people who know they are sensitive to air pollution.
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Moderate (4-6)
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Mild effects are unlikely to require action,
but may be noticed by sensitive people.
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High (7-9)
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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.
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Very High (10)
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The effects on sensitive people, described for
'high' levels of pollution, may worsen.
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The air quality 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, you may also be interested in reading the
Herts. and Beds. annual
air quality report for 2011.
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 hot spots. There are
currently seventeen tubes in representative locations of the
Borough. 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.
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.
What residents can do to help
Residents can take simple measures to reduce air pollution and
improve their quality of life:
- Avoid using cars for short journeys - why not walk or cycle
instead
- Avoid having bonfires and do not burn domestic waste such as
rubber and plastic