Air quality and health

Air quality and health

Air pollution affects everybody, but it’s worse for children, older people and individuals with existing heart and lung conditions. Exposure to pollution can cause lung damage in children, impair their development and worsen existing conditions like asthma.

In busy cities like Portsmouth, Nitrogen Dioxide (a gas caused by burning fuels in vehicle engines) and Particulate Matter (from brake and tyre wear) are the biggest offenders in causing air pollution. Nitrogen Dioxide irritates the airways of the lungs and affects the way they work. Particulate Matter is made of fine particles which can enter the lungs, cause inflammation and make heart and lung disease worse. Air pollution can contribute towards conditions like heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, dementia and type 2 diabetes.

How does air pollution affect my health?

Children are sometimes exposed to higher levels of air pollution, especially during the school run and in the playground, so it’s especially important to switch off your vehicle’s engine when you are stationary around schools. This will help reduce children’s risk of breathing in these dangerous gases and particles.

How can you protect yourself and your family?

Pollutants can quickly accumulate inside a car, leaving drivers exposed to up to twice as much pollution as pedestrians and nine times more than cyclists. If you can, try to leave your car at home and travel actively (walk, cycle or scoot). You’ll be helping to reduce air pollution and you’ll be less exposed to its effects.

Use quieter routes and avoid busy roads, particularly when you are walking children to school. If you can, wait until rush hour is over and travel when there are less cars on the road

If you have to drive to school, protect children by switching off your car engine when you are dropping children off or picking them up, or park a short distance from school and walk the last part of your journey.

Our School Streets trials limit non-essential traffic around schools, creating safer routes and a healthier environment for residents and the school community. To enquire about a School Street for your school please email schoolstreets@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Find out more

Health Matters: Air pollution

WHO – Ambient (outdoor) air quality and health

Cleaner Air Portsmouth

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