What is Air Pollution?

Air is a mixture of the gases that we breathe. The main components of air are nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and variable amounts of dust and water vapour. Air becomes polluted when gases or particles become mixed with it that may harm health, the environment or cause a nuisance. In the UK the main sources of polluting gases and particles are road traffic, domestic sources, manufacturing industry and non-nuclear power generation, although some pollution, from a variety of sources comes from mainland Europe.

Sources of emissions for each pollutant in Greater Manchester and Warrington are reported in the Emissions Inventory for the Greater Manchester Area (EMIGMA).

The 2003 EMIGMA emissions inventory reports that in Greater Manchester and Warrington road transport is the most important source of pollution for Carbon Monoxide, Nitrogen Oxides, Benzene, and 1,3 butadiene responsible for 81%, 57%, 39% and 82% of total emissions respectively.

In relation to Sulphur Dioxide and Carbon Monoxide, the largest proportion of emissions in Greater Manchester and Warrington (86% and 70% respectively) are estimated to be emitted from large industrial (Part A) processes, the majority of which is associated with combustion. These industrial processes are also important sources of Nitrogen Oxide emissions contributing 31% of the 2003 emission total (again mainly combustion)

Smaller industrial (Part B) processes in Greater Manchester and Warrington are relatively small contributors in relation to most pollutants; they are estimated to emit 15% of total PM10 emissions, 24% of Volatile Organic Compounds, and 59% of lead emissions.

How does pollution affect me?

Generally if your health is good you should not notice or suffer any serious or lasting ill effects from day to day changes in levels of air pollution which are commonly experienced in the UK and Greater Manchester.

If you already suffer from a heart or lung illness (such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or asthma) you may be adversely affected by day to day changes in the levels of air pollutants.

The effects of long term exposure to air pollution are difficult to quantify and its affects on individuals are not fully understood at present.

Between 14,000 and 24,000 people may be admitted to hospital as a result of air pollution every year, and between 12,000 and 24,000 vulnerable people (such as those who are already ill) may die prematurely. These deaths do not occur out of the blue: they seem to affect people who already have a serious pre-existing condition which has made them extremely susceptible to a variety of external factors of which high levels of air pollution may be one amongst many.

Key Points

• Healthy individuals will not notice or suffer any serious ill effects from levels of pollution that are commonly experienced in the Manchester Area and the UK.
• Air pollution can worsen the condition of those with existing heart or lung disease.
• Air pollution can aggravate, but does not appear to cause, asthma.
• Overall, air pollution should be seen as one of a number of factors, such as exposure to airborne allergens, flu and extremes of temperature that can affect our health.

(Source: The Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants)

The UK government has produced a banding and index to describe the impact of air pollution on the health of those who are sensitive to air pollution. Our Air Quality today page uses this system.

The changes from band to band are not sudden steps. The effects of air pollutants on health increase gradually as air pollution levels rise.

It is important to look at the levels and bands in the light of personal experience. Some people - especially those who are sensitive to pollution - will learn from experience how air pollution affects them. Some may still notice the effects for several days after pollution levels have fallen to low or moderate levels.

Source: The UK Air Quality National information Archive

Health Advice for known illnesses

If you have asthma or another lung disease, your symptoms are unlikely to change when air pollution levels are 1 - 3 (low) or 4 - 6 (moderate). This applies whatever the time of year.

However, your symptoms may get worse when air pollution reaches the 7 - 9 (high) or 10 (very high) bands, especially if you are elderly. If this happens, you may need to change your treatment in the usual way. If these steps don't help, consult your doctor

If you suffer from a lung disease or heart condition, you might like to follow the advice below.

Asthma

There is little evidence that air pollution itself causes asthma. Research is continuing on this subject. 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.

Heart Disease If you suffer from a heart condition and you notice a change in your symptoms, get medical advice as you normally would. Do not try to change your treatment yourself.

Pollution & Smoking

Smoking makes you more vulnerable to the short-term effects of air pollution. Recent research in the British Medical Journal publication Tobacco Control found the air pollution emitted by cigarettes was 10 times greater than diesel car exhaust. Second-hand tobacco smoke produces fine particulate matter, which is the most dangerous element of air pollution for health. 114,000 die each year from smoking compared to up to 24,000 estimated to be killed by air pollution.

Giving up smoking makes you fitter and will reduce your risk of lung and heart disease considerably.

Source: Deborah Arnott Director, Action on Smoking and Health

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