Sustainable Cheshire Forum Themes, Air Quality Information

The quality of the air is closely linked to many other subjects such as energy, transport, land use, water quality and, of course, health. The air quality in Cheshire is good, with very low levels of most common pollutants. Potential sources of air pollution in Cheshire include energy production, industry, transport, as well as natural sources such as wetland and agriculture. The review and assessment of air quality carried out in Cheshire during 2000 has revealed no breach of the governments health based standards for air pollutants. Consequently none of the District Councils need to declare Air Quality Management areas to control pollution levels. These are areas designated as requiring action against poor standards of air quality.

However, there are specific areas for concern and certain issues such as traffic corridors. Heavily trafficked and congested roads were identified as being responsible for the highest levels of pollution and monitoring is being centred on the areas to quantify the problem. When schools are on holiday traffic movements during the peak hours fall and congestion is reduced. The consequence of this is that pollution levels are reduced. Emissions of pollutants from industrial sources continue to fall. Traffic emissions are also beginning to fall although not so dramatically.

Indoor air quality has not been addressed to the same extent as outdoor air quality and yet we generally spend more time indoors than outside. There are therefore potential impacts on our health as a result of elevated concentrations of pollutants, such as cigarette smoke and carbon monoxide, which are trapped inside our well insulated and draft free homes. Particularly vulnerable are the very young and elderley as they tend to be indoors for longer periods.


Sustainable Cheshire Forum Air Quality

	The quality of the air is closely linked to many other subjects such as energy, transport, land use, water quality and, of course, health. The air quality in Cheshire is good, with very low levels of most common pollutants. Potential sources of air pollution in Cheshire include energy production, industry, transport, as well as natural sources such as wetland and agriculture. The review and assessment of air quality carried out in Cheshire during 2000 has revealed no breach of the governments health based standards for air pollutants. Consequently none of the District Councils need to declare Air Quality Management areas to control pollution levels. These are areas designated as requiring action against poor standards of air quality. However, there are specific areas for concern and certain issues such as traffic corridors. Heavily trafficked and congested roads were identified as being responsible for the highest levels of pollution and monitoring is being centred on the areas to quantify the problem. When schools are on holiday traffic movements during the peak hours fall and congestion is reduced. The consequence of this is that pollution levels are reduced. Emissions of pollutants from industrial sources continue to fall. Traffic emissions are also beginning to fall although not so dramatically. Indoor air quality has not been addressed to the same extent as outdoor air quality and yet we generally spend more time indoors than outside. There are therefore potential impacts on our health as a result of elevated concentrations of pollutants, such as cigarette smoke and carbon monoxide, which are trapped inside our well insulated and draft free homes. Particularly vulnerable are the very young and elderley as they tend to be indoors for longer periods.