Air Quality - Environmental Issues

Air quality needs our protection

Since the industrial revolution man has depended on oil and coal as a source of energy for transport, heat and manufacturing. As the technical ability of society has increased, so has the use of ‘new’ chemicals, such as those used in refrigeration, aerosols (CFCs) and electrical products (VOCs). Although these goods and services make our lives more comfortable, they lead to local air pollution, which can be hazardous to human health. These same pollutants, which upset the fine balance of gases that make up the air we breathe, also cause the major threats of global climate change and ozone layer depletion.

Thinking about air pollution on a worldwide scale is pretty daunting, as individuals we can feel insignificant. Yet, if we all reduce the amount of fuel we use and the number of chemicals used at home, we will improve the quality of the air that we breathe and help the global problem.

‘The UK National Air Quality Strategy’ proposes Air Quality Objectives for seven major air pollutants.

• We regularly monitor pollutants in key places in the District.
• We would declare ‘Air Quality Management Areas’ and take steps to reduce pollution levels, should pollutant levels exceed government guidelines. Further information on Air Quality Management within Mid Beds. 
• We advise, monitor and authorise some industrial processes to minimise air pollution, under Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations.
• We liaise with the Environment Agency regarding larger industrial processes that may cause air and water pollution.
• We aim to resolve complaints about activities which cause dark smoke and odour nuisances.
• We assist home owners across the district with energy efficient improvements such as insulation, efficient boilers etc.  

For further information please contact us on 01462 611222 or 08452-304040 or email us at customer.services@midbeds.gov.uk       

Ways to cut the haze and give your family a breath of fresh air

 
On the road

• Walking and cycling saves money, causes less pollution and is good for your health; use public transport when you can and avoid using a car for short journeys especially on sunny days
• Look for the most efficient, lowest-polluting model of vehicle or consider having your car converted to run on an alternative fuel, such as liquid petroleum gas (LPG)
• Drive smoothly - revving and braking increases pollution; regularly maintain your engine and tyres, these small actions can reduce your fuel bill by 20%
• Report smoky diesel engines by calling the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) Smoky Diesel Hotline on 0870-6060440 or by visiting their website at  http://www.vosa.gov.uk      

At home

• Use water-based or low solvent paints, glues, varnishes and wood preservatives, look for brands with a low VOC content
• Check for asbestos and old lead paint before refurbishing; make sure your home is well ventilated especially during DIY or cleaning
• Have your central heating system checked regularly to avoid risking exposure to toxic carbon monoxide and keep woodstoves and fireplaces well maintained
• Purchase "Green Power" for your home's electricity. (Contact your power supplier)
• Be energy efficient- make sure your house is well insulated and use energy efficient appliances
• Use a fly swat or a sticky trap instead of pesticide sprays and use trigger sprays rather than aerosols
• Before organising days out, check the air pollution and sun UV index forecast           

Shopping

What natural resources were used to make and package the goods you buy? How much fuel was consumed and associated fumes released into the air to transport them? You can change your buying habits to help reduce air pollution and boost the local economy.

Buy

• Locally produced goods
• On average vegetables travel 600 miles to your supermarket, some of them by plane and all of them by lorry. Many of our apples travel 14,000 miles from New Zealand.
• Less excessively packaged and processed goods, how many layers of wrapping does a biscuit need?
• Look for products that have certified Eco-labels, which have been produced in a way that is less damaging to the environment. Don’t be fobbed off with vague claims, such as “environmentally friendly”.

Further information can be obtained from the Environment and Greener Living section of the Directgov website 

Linked documents:

* Download Air Pollution Poster Presentation (application/pdf; 2513kb)

* Download Detailed Assessment of Air Quality in the Areas Around Stewartby Brickworks and Sandy (application/pdf; 3577kb)