The Environment Act 1995 gives local authorities the responsibility to periodically review and assess local air quality and if air quality objectives are unlikely to be achieved, to designate air quality management areas. If air quality management areas are designated the Local Authority is required to develop action plans aimed at reducing air pollution and improving the air quality.
The Council had to initially produce 'Stage 1 and Stage 2 Air Quality Reviews' to identify sources of air pollution and any required actions to improve air quality. Subsequently the Council has had to produce 'Updating and Screening Assessments' on a three yearly basis to provide a thorough update on the District's air quality. Additionally the Council is required to produce a less detailed 'Progress Report' annually when there are no air quality reviews.
These periodic reviews and reports may be viewed within the download area.
The other pollutants are not significant in the district of Maldon and are therefore not monitored.
If you require more information, you can contact us by:
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Air Quality and the Effect on Health
There are a number of pollutants, which can have an adverse effect on health. These pollutants include
Nitrogen Dioxide
Nitrogen dioxide is formed through the burning of fuel, mainly from road traffic. Other sources include power plants, heating plants and industrial sources.
High exposure of nitrogen dioxide can affect the way in which the lungs and airways function. It can also increase the risk of respiratory problems and reactivity to natural allergens.
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Particulate Matter (PM10s)
Particulate matter refers to particles (solid and liquid) with a diameter of less than 10 micrometers.
The main source of particulate matter is from road traffic emissions, especially from diesel vehicles. Other sources include industrial and natural sources such as dust storms and volcanoes. There is no evidence of the effects of particulate matter on people in good health at the levels recorded in the United Kingdom.
Very small particles can worsen heart and breathing problems in sensitive groups, for example, those with asthma, whose effects can range from days of restricted activity to early death.
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Carbon Monoxide
Carbon Monoxide is formed when fuels containing carbon are burnt without enough oxygen present or when they are burnt at too high a temperature.
Carbon monoxide can have an effect on mental activity and can worsen existing problems that affect delivery of oxygen to the heart and lungs.
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Lead
Sources of lead are derived from fossil fuel combustion, metal-processing industries, waste incineration and from the manufacture of batteries.
Lead can affect many different parts of the body, including the production of blood, the nervous system and mental functioning, with children being most susceptible.
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Ozone
Ozone is a chemical, which is needed in the upper atmosphere to protect the Earth from harmful ultra violet rays. Ozone is a secondary pollutant formed in the presence of sunlight by the reaction of volatile organic compounds such as benzene and 1, 3-butadiene with nitrogen oxides.
At ground level, some people can experience discomfort and coughing, especially whilst taking exercise when levels of ozone are at their highest in the United Kingdom.
It can also inflame the airways, makes eyes and throats sore and increase sensitivity to allergens, for example, pollen.
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Sulphur Dioxide
Sulphur dioxide is an acidic gas, which combines with water vapour in the atmosphere to produce acid rain.
The main source of sulphur dioxide is power stations burning fossil fuels containing sulphur.
Sulphur dioxide is an irritant that effects nerves in the lining of the nose, throat and lungs airways when the levels are high, which can cause a cough and feeling of chest tightening and may lead to a narrowing of the airways. This can affect asthmatics and people with chronic lung disease.
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Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds are organic chemicals that easily vaporise at room temperature. These include benzene and 1, 3-butadiene. The main source of benzene is from the combustion of petrol. The main source of 1, 3-butadiene is also fuel combustion from petrol and diesel.
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