Daily Pollution Levels
Local Pollution Levels
Get up to date monitoring data from our two continuous analysers
located at Stanwix
Bank (external link) and
Caldewgate (external link).
National Pollution Levels
For information on pollution levels nationally please click
on the following links:
National Air Pollution Levels for the UK (external
link) - An excellent resource at the UK National Air Quality
Archive gives air pollution levels for the whole of the UK
Ozone
Levels for UK (external link) - Simple real-time
satellite maps of the world showing current ozone levels.
You can also obtain the forecast by calling the Air
Pollution Information Service (free from a BT Landline) on
0800 556677 (Enter quick dial code
43 for the NorthWest of England).
Daily Pollution Level Bands
In the UK Daily Air Pollution levels are placed in four bands to
describe levels of pollution. The bands are as follows:
- LOW
- MODERATE
- HIGH
- VERY HIGH
Healthy people do not normally notice any effects from air
pollution, except occasionally when air pollution is 'very
high'
The table below shows the four bands and their impact on the
health of people who are sensitive to air pollution.
The changes from band to band do not represent sudden
steps. The effects of air pollutants on health increase gradually
as air pollution levels rise.
| Pollution Band |
Health Impact |
| LOW |
Effects are unlikely to be noticed, even by people who know
they are sensitive to air pollutants |
| MODERATE |
Mild effects are unlikely to require action but may be noticed
by sensitive people |
| HIGH |
Sensitive people may notice significant effects and have to
take action to reduce or avoid them (for example, by reducing time
spent outdoors) Asthmatics will find their reliever inhaler is
likely to reverse the effects of pollution on their lungs |
| VERY HIGH |
The effects on sensitive people, described for 'high' levels of
pollution, may worsen |
Sensitive individuals are those people who suffer from heart and
lung diseases, including asthma particularly if they are
elderly.
It is important to look at the bands in the light of personal
experience, individuals people - especially those who are sensitive
to pollution - will learn from experience how air pollution affects
them. Effects may still be noticed for some days after pollution
levels have fallen to low or moderate levels.
People with heart conditions or severe lung diseases (e.g
chronic bronchitis or emphysema) may be more sensitive to changes
in air pollution than the descriptions suggest.
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.
This information service only provides information about the
short-term health effects of certain air pollutants. Air pollution
is likely to have an effect on health over the longer term, but at
the moment we do not fully understand these effects.
Can Pollution Cause Asthma?
There is little evidence
that air pollution itself causes asthma. 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.
The air we breath contains lots of different particles that can
trigger asthma symptoms. Air pollutants like cigarette smoke and
car exhaust fumes release gases and particles into the atmosphere,
which can irritate your airways.
- If you find pollution triggers your asthma, keep well informed
about air quality
- Ozone can be a problem for some people. Levels are likely to be
higher on hot, summer days. If you think this might be a trigger
for you, avoid exercising outdoors, especially in the
afternoon
- There is no strong evidence that wearing a facemask will be
helpful
In Winter:
If traffic fumes make breathing harder, avoid busy streets as
much as you can.
If you are elderly, stay indoors as much as possible and keep
warm.
In Summer:
If you find it harder to breath on hot sunny days, avoid
energetic outdoor activities, especially in the afternoons
when pollution levels tend to be higher. If your child has asthma,
they should be able to take part in games as normal, but they may
need to use their reliever inhaler more before they start. They do
not need to stay away from school.