Air quality
We regularly monitor the air quality across the South Somerset
to ensure it is within the limits set to protect good health.
Air Pollutants
|
|
Air pollutants are any unwanted substance or chemical that
contaminates the air that we breathe resulting in a decline in air
quality. The pollutants of most concern in South Somerset are
particulates, nitrogen oxides and ozone.
Particulates are small bits of solid or liquid matter, for
example soot, dust, fumes and aerosols carried in the air. They are
produced by factories, cars and coal burning in some homes.
Oxides of nitrogen (NOx) are emitted from combustion
sources such as cars and power stations. Increased emissions are
particularly associated with congested traffic.
Ozone, a form of oxygen, is more commonly associated with the
ozone layer, which protects life on Earth from the Sun's harmful
rays. Near the ground however, it is a harmful pollutant made in
the air when other pollutants mix together in sunlight. It is the
main gas found in modern smogs.
|
|
|
Human health
|
|
The relationship between air quality and health has been well
publicised. Most of the main air pollutants can be harmful to
health, particularly for those most sensitive to its effects such
as children and the elderly.
Particulates in air pollution are one of the main causes of
health problems. When we breathe in air pollution, the very fine
particulates can easily enter our lungs, where they can cause
breathing problems, and over time even lead to cancer.
In significant concentrations nitrogen dioxide can cause serious
lung damage with a delayed effect. Health effects of exposure to
lower concentrations include shortness of breath and chest
pains.
Ozone that forms near to the ground can cause breathing problems
and also cause damage to lungs and throats. If you have asthma then
the symptoms may be even more severe.
|
|
|
Air quality bulletins
|
|
View the results from our air quality monitoring
stations at Charlton Mackrell (formerly Somerton) and Yeovil. This
page is updated each month when the calibration of the instruments
allows.
See air quality
bulletins
|
|
|
Air quality reports
|
|
View air quality reports for South Somerset.
See air quality reports
|
You may also be interested in...