Air pollution and your health
We’re all at risk from the effects of air pollution. Where you live and work and whether you have an existing health condition can increase your risk.
Air pollution is the name for extremely small particles and gases in the air which can cause harm if you breathe them in.
The main pollutants that affect health (carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ground level ozone, particulates and sulphur dioxide) can come from several places, including people’s homes, industry, and road traffic.
Find out more about the sources of air pollution
How does air pollution affect health?
Most healthy people will not notice any immediate effects or symptoms from breathing in air pollutants. However, exposure to it in the long term can cause serious conditions to develop later on, such as heart attack or stroke.
For adults and children with a heart or lung condition, being exposed can have an almost immediate impact. Existing symptoms may become worse and may need medical attention.
Find out more about how air pollution affects health
What can I do to protect my health?
The following steps can help you stay healthy when and where air pollution levels are high.
Check the forecast
Levels of air pollution can vary depending on the weather and seasons. This is why it’s important to regularly monitor air pollution levels around where you live and work, particularly if you have a heart or circulatory problem, or long-term lung disease. Check the forecast in your area online at Defra UK Air or London Air.
You can also register for FREE airTEXT alerts. Alerts get sent directly to your telephone, mobile or computer when air quality will be poor.
Follow the advice
Air pollution on a day-to-day basis is unlikely to rise to a level that means you’ll have to make any major changes to your routine.
If you have concerns about whether it is safe for you, or someone you care for, to do certain activities (exercise outside, for example), the Daily Air Quality Index (DAQI) can help.
You should follow your doctor’s usual advice about exercising and managing your condition.
Use the Daily Air Quality Index for health advice
Lower your exposure – walk and cycle more!
Research shows exposure to toxic air is often far higher inside vehicles than outside them. This means that people who walk or cycle are less exposed to toxic fumes compared with those who drive.
Not only can walking and cycling help to improve air quality by cutting the level of harmful fumes given out by vehicles into our streets, it’s a great way to stay active and improve your health.
Plan your route for lower pollution travel
However you choose to get from A to B, you can reduce your exposure by planning your route.
You can plan alternative routes using the following online planners: Walk It, Breathe London and City Air.
For more information about Air Pollution and what the Royal Borough of Greenwich are doing to tackle it, how you can help and more, visit Royal Greenwich’s website.
Useful Links
- City Air A handy low pollution route planning tool with information on current levels of air pollution across the city.
- Breathe London Avoid pollution hotspots and find lower pollution routes using the free online tool developed by the National Institute for Health Research.
- Walk it The urban walking route planner for help choosing alternative, lower pollution routes on your everyday journeys.
- Defra: UK Air The Daily Air Quality Index (DAQI) tells you about levels of air pollution and gives recommended actions and health advice.
- London Air Quality Network: London Air Find current levels of air pollution near you, the effects on health and the environment, and how to protect your health.
Downloads
- Free NHS Health Check PLUS – Small Changes, Big Results. Aged 40-74? Download the leaflet to find out how your NHS Health Check can help to prevent potential risks to your health.
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