According to Defra´s Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland document “Air pollution is currently estimated to reduce the life expectancy of every person in the UK by an average of 7-8 months with estimated equivalent health costs of up to £20 billion each year. Air pollution also has a detrimental effect on our ecosystems and vegetation.”

Under Part IV of the Environment Act 1995 all Councils in Britain are required to review, assess and manage air quality in their areas. The Air Quality Strategy 2007 details the Governments standards and objectives for 8 main pollutants. The objectives have to be met by their respective target year. The pollutants of concern are:

  • Ozone
  • Benzene
  • 1,3 Butadiene
  • Sulphur Dioxide
  • Carbon Monoxide
  • Nitrogen Dioxide
  • PM10 (Particles/Dust below 10 microns in diameter)
  • Lead

The pollutants of concern today in Waltham Forest are nitrogen dioxide and particulates, or PM10’s. These pollutants are given off from motor vehicle exhausts and account for the majority of Waltham Forest’s air pollution problem. Pollutants given off from car exhausts, which are known to damage health, include carbon monoxide, benzene, nitrogen dioxide and particulates (microscopic specks of dust and soot).

These pollutants are often produced when the car engine is not working efficiently. Carbon monoxide is produced when the engine does not burn fuel efficiently, often because there is not enough air in the mixture. Benzene is a component of fuel and often ends up in exhaust gases.

Health effects

PM10 Particulates

Particulates also referred to as particulate matter or fine particulates come from a variety of sources.  These can include combustion sources (motor vehicles, biomass, bonfires, etc), secondary particles (sulphate and nitrate formed by chemical reactions in the atmosphere) and coarse particles (seasalt, soils, dusts, etc).  Fine particulates can travel deep into the lungs which can cause inflammation and negatively impact on those with heart and lung diseases.  Additionally, fine particulates can also carry carcinogenic compounds into ones respiratory system.  Effects from Particulates can range from days of restricted activity to early death.  Currently, the Air Quality Strategy 2007 sets a limit that PM10 cannot exceed 40ug/m3 as an annual mean.

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)

NO2 arises via the oxidation of nitric oxide by oxygen in the air.  Primary sources of NO2 in Waltham Forest are vehicle emissions and other combustion sources such as gas boilers. This reddish brown gas can cause lung irritation and lower resistance to respiratory infections.  It may also cause increased incidence of acute respiratory illness in children.  

Benzene and 1,3 Butadiene

Volatile organic compounds from exhaust fumes, cigarette smoke, synthetic materials and household chemicals.  Possible chronic health effects include cancer, central nervous system disorders, liver and kidney damage, reproductive disorders, and birth defects.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless poisonous gas produced by incomplete, or inefficient, combustion of fuel. It is produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon containing materials such as smoking, car exhausts and unflued heating or cooking appliances.

CO can have an effect on mental activity and can worsen existing problems that affect the delivery of oxygen to the heart and lungs.

Sulphur Dioxide

This is produced from the burning of sulphur compounds that occur naturally in coal and oil.

At high levels, this acidic gas is an irritant that affects nerves in the lining of the nose, throat, lungs and airways. This, in turn, causes a cough and a feeling of chest tightening and may lead to a narrowing of the airways. This can affect asthmatics and people with chronic lung disease.

Ozone

This is caused by the reaction of nitrogen oxides with hydrocarbons in the presence of sunlight. At ground level it is a pollutant which reacts easily with biological materials.

At its highest levels in the UK, some people can experience discomfort and coughing, especially whilst taking exercise. It can inflame the airways, make eyes and throats sore and increase sensitivity to allergens e.g. pollen. People who suffer from asthma do not appear to be significantly more sensitive to ozone than other people.

Air pollution can also damage trees, plants and buildings and contribute to global warming. Waltham Forest needs to act now to protect our health and environment and improve our quality of life.

Lead

It is emitted into the atmosphere from vehicles using petrol containing lead and also from some industrial processes. Lead can affect many different parts of the body, including the production of blood, the nervous system and mental functioning.