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What are the effects of air pollution?
A variety of air pollutants have known or suspected harmful effects on human health and the environment. In most areas of Europe, these pollutants are principally the products of combustion from space heating, power generation or from motor vehicle traffic. Pollutants from these sources may not only prove a problem in the immediate vicinity of these sources but can travel long distances.
Health Effects
Generally if you are young and in a good state of health, moderate air pollution levels are unlikely to have any serious short term effects. However, elevated levels and/or long term exposure to air pollution can lead to more serious symptoms and conditions affecting human health. This mainly affects the respiratory and inflammatory systems, but can also lead to more serious conditions such as heart disease and cancer. People with lung or heart conditions may be more susceptible to the effects of air pollution.
The table below shows the types of health effects experienced by the most common pollutants at elevated levels:
| Pollutant | Health effects at very high levels |
|---|---|
| Nitrogen Dioxide, Sulphur Dioxide, Ozone | These gases irritate the airways of the lungs, increasing the symptoms of those suffering from lung diseases |
| Particles | Fine particles can be carried deep into the lungs where they can cause inflammation and a worsening of heart and lung diseases |
| Carbon Monoxide | This gas prevents the uptake of oxygen by the blood. This can lead to a significant reduction in the supply of oxygen to the heart, particularly in people suffering from heart disease |
Air Pollution and Health Pack
An information pack giving both indoor and outdoor air quality issues is available from the Department of Health. It includes a series of factsheets giving details of contact organisations, helplines, websites, official reports and other materials and also copies of leaflets, booklets and other information.
To get hold of a free copy write to:
Department of Health Publications Centre,
PO Box 410,
Wetherby,
LS23 7LN
Air Pollution Booklet
This booklet is designed to be an easy guide to the Air Pollution Information Service. You can order a copy of the booklet by calling the Air Pollution Freephone on 0800 55 66 77 and selecting 'other sources of information'. Or download the document from the Defra webpage.
Effects on the Environment
Air pollution causes damage to plants and animals, affecting biodiversity and crop yields. Defra has a number of research projects investigating the effects of air pollution on vegetetation and ecosystems.
Page last modified: 11 January 2012