The impact of poor air quality is greater on certain groups of people including children, pregnant women, older people, and those with certain health conditions affecting the lungs and heart.
The good news is that we can help to improve air quality by making small changes where possible, such as reducing the number of small journeys we take by car, using public transport, and reducing the use of solid fuel or wood for heating our homes.
This collective effort can produce big changes in the air we breathe.
Along with Derby City Council and the borough and district councils of Derbyshire, we've produced a short video about air pollution. You can find out what air pollution is and most importantly what small changes we can all make to improve air quality in our county
The sources of air pollution
Everyday activities such as heating our homes and travelling by car have a significant impact on the quality of the air.
Pollution such as car exhaust fumes and dust brakes take the form of particulate matter which can pass into our bloodstream, move around the body and cause damage when it gets into our organs.
Car exhaust fumes can increase nitrogen dioxide levels in the air which can cause damage to your lungs and increase the risk of infections and asthma. Long term exposure to high levels of nitrogen dioxide can cause long term lung problems. A third of the levels are from road transport.
How we can help clean up our air
38% of all particulate emissions are a result of burning wood and coal in open fires and wood burning stoves in our homes.
A further 12% of particulate matter emissions are produced by road transport.
We all have our part to play in reducing the amount of particulates in the air, us and we can start today by:
- avoiding using the car for short journeys in built-up areas. Even with a catalytic converter, it takes time to be fully effective at reducing emissions
- being more active – leave the car at home and take a walk instead. Consider using the side streets to keep you away from where pollution is highest
- using public transport where possible
- avoiding your car idling when it's not moving.
- considering changing your car to an electric vehicle
- car-sharing to reduce the number of vehicles on the road
- reducing the use of solid wood and coal heating in our homes
- thinking twice before burning wood and coal and use alternative heat sources where possible
- maintaining your appliance and chimney and ensuring it's clean and dry before use
- burning better by only burning dry fuel with the 'ready to burn' symbol on the packet
- not burning wet or painted wood
Find out how you can burn better to improve air quality
Air quality strategy
Local air pollution is affected by the weather conditions and could have short-term health effects, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
For more information about predicted pollution levels see the air pollution forecast.
Air quality is a priority for the Health and Wellbeing Board, and there's an 'Air Quality Strategy' that aims to improve air quality through 3 broad themes:
- changing how we travel by increasing the use of sustainable travel options
- reducing sources of air pollution, moving away from carbon-based fuels and working towards 'Net Zero'
- mitigating against the health impacts of air pollution by providing information and taking action
The strategy is delivered by local partners including councils and the Integrated Care Board.