Air Quality - Why is it Important

Clean air is an essential ingredient of a good quality of life, but concern about the state of the air in the UK is not new, complaints have been recorded since the 13^th century when coal was first used in this country.  Emissions got so bad in the early 20^th centuries, that dramatic smog episodes known as "pea-soupers" became common place in many of Britain's inner cities, leading to poor air quality. After the infamous London Smog of 1952, which killed thousands pollution was dramatically reduced in an attempt to protect human health.

Today the emphasis has shifted from the pollution problems caused by industry (although there are exceptions) to the ones associated with motor vehicle emissions.  The number of cars, both in Britain and in most countries around the world, is now steadily increasing and a speed up in technological development is required to try and combat the pollution problem.

Poor air quality has negative effects on the environment in which we live. Air pollution from transport includes emissions of carbon monoxide, particulates, nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons. Ozone is a secondary pollutant produced when many of these primary chemicals react in sunlight in the atmosphere. Such primary and secondary pollutants can impact on wildlife and vegetation, and human health.

When air pollution is present in high concentrations it can cause various health effects to humans. The most at risk are the very young and the elderly, and people already suffering from conditions such as asthma or bronchitis.

In high concentrations, air pollution can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, can lead to the worsening of lung and heart diseases, and in very extreme cases it can be associated with the onset of certain cancers.

At a local level, other effects of air pollution can include the soiling and corrosion of buildings and a reduction in the growth of some plants.

At a global level, air pollution can have an adverse and very serious effect on the health of entire ecosystems (such as a woodland containing all the plants and animals and the natural cycles on which it depends), as well as being linked to causing Acid Rain and Climate Change.