Air Quality for All

What exactly is air pollution?

The ‘Big Five’ of Air Pollution

1 Nitrogen Oxides NOx

Sources:

• Mostly take the forms of nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2).

• Released as part of the combustion of fossil fuels

• This occurs in vehicles (estimated 42% in London) and in power generation, as well as (to a minor extent) domestic gas burning.

Health Impacts:

• Decreased lung function• Increased susceptibility to

allergens• Induce asthma attacks in

vulnerable people

The ‘Big Five’ of Air Pollution

2 Sulphur Dioxide SO2

Sources:

• Released as a waste product from the combustion of coal and oil

• A major source comes from coal fired power plants

• No longer permitted to be used in petrol and diesel for cars but still found in marine fuels

Health Impacts:

• Irritates and narrows the lining of airways, reducing the flow of air to the lungs

• Asthma suffers are more prone to an attack

• In high concentrations, can sting and irritate eyes

The ‘Big Five’ of Air Pollution

Ozone O3

Sources:

3

• Formed when nitrous oxides and organic compounds react in sunlight

Health Impacts:

• Long term exposure increases chances of mortality from respiratory conditions and diseases

• Increases mortality rates amongst those with pulmonary diseases, and diabetes

• Increases the incidence and severity of asthma• Reduces lung growth in children• Reduces cognitive development and increases

chances of premature births

The ‘Big Five’ of Air Pollution

Particulates PM10

Sources:

4

• Can include carbon, sulphate, nitrate and metallic particles

• Created by mechanical processes such as mining and demolishing on building sites, as well as wear and tear on roads

• Released as waste from the combustion of coal

• Diesel vehicle exhausts are a major source

Health Impacts:

• Some links to cardiovascular diseases

• Short term exposure can lead to poor breathing and respiratory difficulties

(Those under 10m in diameter – six times smaller than the width of a human hair)

The ‘Big Five’ of Air Pollution

Particulates PM2.5

Sources:

5

• Mostly made up of carbon particles

• Released as a waste product of the combustion process, with most of the pollutant coming from road transport emissions

Health Impacts:

• Blocks gaseous exchange to the blood stream deep inside the lungs

• Strong correlation between high exposures and heart attacks and strokes

• Reduced lung development in children• Increased development of respiratory

diseases such as asthma• Some links to the prevalence of cancers• Some links to higher infant mortalities and

lower birth weights

5(Those under 2.5m in diameter – twenty four times smaller than the width of a human hair)