Health Advice
Air pollution results from the introduction of a range of substances into the atmosphere from a wide variety of sources. It can cause both short-term and long-term effects on health, but also on the wider environment.
Air pollution in South Tyneside have declined significantly over recent years.
We have seen some areas of improvement thanks to the introduction of stronger legislation on the sources of pollution within industry, heating and transport. However, despite the improvements made, air pollution is still recognised as a risk to health, and many people are concerned about pollution in the air that they breathe.
Air pollution is the biggest environmental threat to health in the UK, with between 29,000 and 43,000 deaths a year being attributed to long-term exposure.
Legislation and policies aiming to reduce and track the impact of air pollution have been introduced in the UK. More information on this can be found on the Legislation page.
More specialist information on pollutants and their impacts on habitats and species, can be found on UK Air Pollution Information System (APIS).
Breathing pollution can negatively impact our health and ultimately there is no 'safe' level of air pollution. The health effects of air pollution depend on the amount of pollution that you are exposed to and the amount of time you are exposed for. Breathing in polluted air over a long period of time can increase the risk of heart and lung diseases (Asthma and COPD) and lung cancer. There is also evidence linking air pollution to increased risk of dementia, low birth weights and diabetes. Breathing in polluted air over a shorter period, can also lead to symptoms such as eye, nose, and throat irritation.
Who is Affected?
In the UK, air pollution rarely rises to levels at which people need to make major changes to their habits to avoid exposure. However, air pollution affects people differently.
For healthy people, moderate air pollution levels are unlikely to have any serious short-term effects on human health. Yet exposure to higher levels of pollution and/or long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to more serious symptoms and conditions affecting human health.
Children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health issues such as heart or lung conditions (COPD or asthma) may be more negatively impacted by poor air quality. People who work in highly polluted places or regularly travel in or through polluted areas, may be at higher risk of air pollution-related health problems.
Short-Term Effects Of Air Pollution On Health
It is possible that some individuals may experience health effects even on low air pollution days. Looking at the Daily Air Quality Index can help you to understand air pollution levels and find out about recommended actions and health advice. The following links provide information about short-term effects of air pollution.
Long-Term Effects Of Air Pollution On Health
The following links provide information about long-term effects of air pollution.
Reducing Exposure To Air Pollution
Busy roads in towns and cities will have high levels of air pollution from road traffic. The countryside can have pollution from farming and ozone on sunny days.
Indoor pollution can also be caused by solvents, poor ventilation and the use of wood or coal stoves. Find out what you can do to lower your exposure to both outdoor and indoor air pollution, including checking pollution alerts.
If you or people you care for experience breathing difficulties, caused by air pollution, make sure any medications (eg inhalers) and action plans include managing triggers such as poor air pollution.
Some people with asthma can have asthma attacks triggered by thunderstorms, possibly linked to pollen. Keep an eye on the weather forecast during warmer summer months when thunderstorms are more likely and when having a review with your health care practitioner, make sure you know what to do if your symptoms increase.