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If you are in good health the levels of air pollution we usually experience in the UK are unlikely to have any serious short-term effects. But in the rare occasions when air pollution levels are high, some people may feel discomfort and irritation.
People with respiratory conditions are at greater risk, especially if they are elderly. Daily changes in air pollution can trigger increased admissions to hospital and may contribute to the premature death of those who are seriously ill. Those with severe lung diseases or heart conditions might be more sensitive to changes in air pollution.
Long term exposure to air pollution is unlikely to increase the number of people with asthma but people who already suffer from asthma may find their condition adversely affected.
What are the pollutants?
What are the guideline levels?
Pollution forecasting
Reducing exposure
The pollutants measured in Spelthorne
The eight air pollutants identified in the UK national air quality strategy are benzene, 1,3-butadiene, carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen oxides, ozone, particulates and sulphur dioxide. More information on these eight pollutants is available in the glossary.
- Nitrogen dioxide was identified as exceeding guidance levels in Spelthorne and the whole Borough was declared an air quality management area.
- Particulates are measured close to the M25, at Sunbury Cross and near Heathrow to keep a check on their levels, although they are not expected to exceed the guidelines.
- Ozone and sulphur dioxide are monitored by the Highways Agency close to the M25.
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Nitrogen dioxide
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Can irritate the airways of the lungs, increasing the symptoms of those already suffering from lung diseases. Bacterial infections.
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Particulates
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Can be carried deep into the lungs where they can cause inflammation and worsen heart and lung diseases
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Carbon monoxide
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Carbon monoxide prevents the normal transport of oxygen by the blood. This can lead to a significant reduction in the supply of oxygen to the heart, particularly in people suffering from heart disease. Can cause death.
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Ozone
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Irritates the airways of the lungs, increasing the symptoms of those suffering from lung diseases.
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Sulphur dioxide
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Irritates the airways of the lungs, increasing the symptoms of those suffering from lung diseases.
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- We monitored Benzene in the Borough between 2003 and 2007 at two locations. This monitoring was stopped as levels measured were well below guidelines.
- Carbon monoxide was monitored by the Highways Agency at the M25 site until the end of 2007.
- Pollutants 1,3 butadiene and lead are not monitored in the Borough.
Guideline levels of pollutants monitored by Spelthorne
European obligations based on exposures to residents (not roadside levels):
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nitrogen dioxide
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date to be achieved by
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will it be achieved
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hourly mean
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200 µg/m3 (micrograms per cubic metre) not to be exceeded more than 18 times per year
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2010
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yes
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annual mean
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40 µg/m3
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2010
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no
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particulates 10µm
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.
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date to be achieved by
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will it be achieved
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daily mean
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50 µg/m3 not to be exceeded more than 35 times a year
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2005
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yes
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annual mean
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40 µg/m3
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2005
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yes
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particulates 2.5µm
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.
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date to be achieved by
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will it be achieved
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annual mean
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25 µg/m3
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2010
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yes
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Target of 20% reduction in concentrations at urban background
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2010-2020
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yes
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Air pollution forecasting services:
The Air Pollution Information Service leaflet (external link) provides health advice as well as information about the teletext and freephone forecasting service.
The National Air Quality Archive has an online UK air pollution forecasting service (external link). Select the "south east" region and you will see the pollution forecast for the next 24 hours.
This information can also be accessed from TV teletext page 155 or freephone 0800 556677 - available 24 hours a day.
How to reduce exposure:
When pollutants are high or very high people can:
- Avoid vigorous activity, which increases the intake of pollutants into the lungs
- Vulnerable individuals should avoid major roads with heavy traffic
- Asthmatics who are affected by pollutants can get advice from their GP on increasing their use of medication to prevent and relieve symptoms
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