Air Quality - Health

Legal control measures introduced over the last 50 years have ensured that air quality has improved greatly - and should continue to do so.

However, air pollution remains a very real concern and local authorities are required to take action if national objectives are exceeded. Click on the following link to view the national objectives National Air Quality Objectives. Because of this, over 200 Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) have been designated across the UK where targets are not yet achieved. Click on the following link to view the council's AQMA Air Quality Management Area

Most people are unlikely to be affected by typical levels of air quality. But the effects will vary from person to person. Those suffering from heart or lung conditions including asthma and bronchitis, especially young children and the elderly, are more at risk.

Air Pollution Banding
The Department of Health has developed an air pollution banding system which helps sensitive people manage their health. Maximum levels of five key air pollutants are considered by the system below:

Banding	Index	Health effects
LOW	1	Effects are unlikely to be noticed even by individuals who know they are sensitive to air pollutants
	2
	3
MODERATE	4	Mild effects, unlikely to require action, may be noticed amongst sensitive individuals
	5
	6
HIGH	7	Sensitive people may notice significant effects. They may need to avoid or reduce these effects (e.g. reducing exposure by spending less time in polluted areas outdoors). Asthmatics will find that their 'reliever' inhaler is likely to reverse the effects.
	8
	9
VERY HIGH	10	The effects on sensitive individuals described for 'High' levels of pollution may worsen.
The information used for this table was provided by the Air Quality Archive.

Click on the following link to view current local pollution levels, a regional forecast is available by following the next link - regional pollution forecast. We also provide this information on the electronic display boards in Ellesmere Port and a summary is published in the Ellesmere Port Standard. Click on the link below to view their website -

Ellesmere Port Standard

What it means for your health

Asthma - There is little evidence that air pollution itself causes asthma. However, if you already have asthma, you may find that air pollution triggers an attack, although infections and allergens are more likely to do so.
Smoking - Smoking is likely to have a much more serious effect on your health than air pollution. Giving up smoking will cut down your risk of lung and heart disease considerably. It will also make you less vulnerable to the short-term effects of air pollution. Visit the councils smoke free information pages for further advice - Smoke Free Ellesmere Port and Neston
In winter - If traffic fumes make breathing harder, avoid busy streets as much as you can. If you are elderly, stay indoors as much as possible and keep warm.
In summer - If you find it harder to breathe on hot sunny days, avoid energetic outdoor activities, especially in the afternoons when pollution levels tend to be higher. If your child has asthma, they should be able to take part in games as normal, but they may need to use their reliever inhaler more before they start. They do not need to stay away from school.

This advice above has been reproduced from the Defra leaflet, Air Pollution: What it means for your health. Click on the link to download a copy.Air Pollution - what it means for your health

The following external links give further advice and information -

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Air Quality - Health