Air quality in Richmondshire has improved for the second month running.
In most of the sites measured by the district council levels of air pollution recorded in April were 50 per cent lower than 12 months ago.
And environmental experts are now asking residents to consider what they can do to keep these levels low.
Council officers say that much of the drop is attributed to the reduced traffic levels, with concentrations of nitrogen dioxide tend to reflect road conditions.
But as an air pollutant it can have a more serious effect on people on the vulnerable in society – children and older people, and those with heart and lung conditions, such as COPD or asthma.
“Whilst the air pollution in Richmondshire is generally good, and we have not had to declare an air quality management area, found in many busier towns and cities, there is a benefit to cleaner air for us all,” said Dr Kevin Carr, district council environmental health officer.
“Having got to this reduced rate we now have a great opportunity to consider what we all can do in the future to help improve air quality.
“That could be working from home more often, choosing to walk or cycle, using public transport, choosing electric vehicles or just making fewer journeys.”
Richmondshire District Council monitors nitrogen dioxide (NO2) using diffusion tubes on lampposts or drainpipes on buildings near roads. There are currently 15 tube locations across the district. Monthly analysis of the data provides an average measure of air quality at those sites.
The results are reported to Defra annually in fulfilment of Part IV of the Environment Act 1995 Local Air Quality Management and are published on: https://www.richmondshire.gov.uk/environmental-health/pollution/air-quality/ [kofi]
Comments are closed.
As a Nigerian I urges my country to also pursue the necessary measures to curb the issue of air pollution .
Air pollution from heather burning is also a considerable problem in the rural dales communities. It is completely unnecessary and has a direct impact on the health and quality of life of residents. It is also damaging to our native flora and fauna as well as contributing to climate change and increasing flood risk. Richmondshire council needs to take action on ALL sources of air pollution affecting their communities.