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|Home > |Environmental Health > |Pollution > Seasonal Air Quality

Seasonal Air Quality

Seasonal variations in our weather have a considerable impact on the levels of pollutants in the air that we breathe. An increase in pollution levels does have an impact on our health, particularly for those who already suffer from poor health.

The Government has set guidelines for acceptable levels of some of the common air pollutants and where there is a likelihood of these guidelines not being met the Council is required to declare those areas as Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs). When an AQMA is declared then special efforts are made to reduce the level of pollution in that area. Elmbridge has declared seven AQMAs because of raised levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Most Surrey Councils have a similar problem with nitrogen dioxide and have also declared AQMAs for parts of their areas. Nitrogen dioxide is a pollutant emitted from vehicle exhausts and the AQMAs in Elmbridge are around roads where there is heavy traffic, particularly in town centres. Your help in reducing airborne pollution levels is good for both the environment but also for your health.

The locations of the AQMAs are:Air Quality Monitoring Station at EsherImage of an Air Quality Monitoring Station

|Find our more about air quality monitoring.

Causes of Pollution

The main sources of airborne pollutants within Elmbridge are the products of combustion from motor vehicles, heating appliances and garden bonfires.Image of a gas boiler

  • In winter vehicles are used more as it is more convenient than walking or using a bike to get to work or go to the shops.
  • In cold weather the use of space heating in offices and homes increases and more fuel is used causing the level of pollutants to go up.
  • As the leaves fall and gardens are tidied for the onset of winter, there is a temptation to burn the garden refuse instead of composting it or having it collected by the Council for composting. Wet material does not burn well and not only creates a plume of polluting smoke but can also become a |nuisance to your neighbours.

The common air borne pollutants are nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), particles (PM10), carbon monoxide (CO) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

In winter these can hang around at low level causing more of a problem than during other seasons. Sometimes they can cause a winter smog.

Winter Smog

Winter smog is caused when a mixture of these pollutants build up at ground level because a layer of cold air traps the warm air containing these pollutants like a lid on a saucepan and levels build up. This occurs on cold, calm days often after a clear, cloudless night, which is followed by a morning frost or mist close to the ground. Fortunately this doesn't happen too often.

Health Effects of Pollutants

Breathing high levels of pollutants for a long period can have an effect on your health especially if you have respiratory problems such as asthma.

  • Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) - Can cause damage to the mechanisms which protect the respiratory tract and increases a person's susceptibility to respiratory infections and asthma. Long term exposure to high levels of NO2 can make chronic heart conditions worse. NO2 emissions also contribute to 'acid rain'.Image of a woman sneezing
  • Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) - This can cause irritation to the eyes and air passages which results in a fall in lung function, particularly in asthmatics. High levels can cause a tightness of the chest, coughing and contribute to heart disease and bronchitis. SO2 pollution is considered more harmful when particulate and other pollutant concentrations are also high.
  • Ozone - Is created from the reaction of nitrogen oxides and VOCs in the presence of sunlight and at high levels can cause a decrease in lung function and inflammation of the airways. The respiratory symptoms include coughing, throat irritation, pain, burning or discomfort in the chest when taking a deep breath. It is particularly harmful to those suffering from asthma.
  • Smoke/Particulates (also known as PM10 because they are particles measuring 10 micrometres or less in diameter) - Exposure to smoke and particulates can cause irritation of the airways, coughing or difficulty of breath, decreased lung function, and can aggravate asthma. People with heart or lung diseases are most likely to be affected by particulate exposure but even if you are healthy, you may experience temporary symptoms from exposure to elevated levels of particulate pollution.
  • Carbon Monoxide (CO) - When inhaled it reduces the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood to the body's organs and tissues and may especially affect people with heart or circulatory disease.
  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - Long term exposure to VOCs can cause damage to the liver, kidneys and central nervous system. Short term exposure can cause eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and allergic skin reactions.

Reducing Pollution

Vehicles

Space Heating

  • Keep heat in by installing loft insulation and double glazed windows.
  • Use draught excluders around doors.
  • Switch energy suppliers to those which provide gas and electricity from renewable (green) sources.
  • Restrict the use of patio heaters to really cold nights or wear extra layers.

Garden BonfiresImage of composting bin

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