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Air quality and health

How are we impacted by pollution?
Poor air quality is the largest environmental risk to public health in the UK. 

Almost every organ in the body can be impacted by air pollution. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is especially important as these very small particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and travel to organs causing systemic damages to tissues and cells. PM2.5 has also now been linked to dementia.

What diseases are associated with pollution?
Long-term exposure to air pollution can cause chronic conditions such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases as well as lung cancer, leading to reduced life expectancy. Other associated conditions include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), stroke, heart disease and asthma. 

Did you know asthma prevalence is higher in Gloucestershire compared to England and cases are increasing each year?

Who is most at risk?
Children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with respiratory and/or cardiovascular issues are most at risk from air pollution. 
 

Did you know Gloucestershire has an Asthma Friendly Schools programme? To find out more, visit: https://www.ghll.org.uk/about-ghll/partnership-projects/asthma-friendly-schools/. 

Outdoor air pollution exposure

We can take steps to reduce outdoor air pollution and our exposure to it:

Road vehicles

  • Walk, cycle or scoot if you can, or take public transport rather than driving. Air pollution is often worse inside vehicles than outside and electric vehicles still produce pollution via brake, tyre and road wear
  • Choose walking or cycling routes away from traffic. Stand further away from the road where you can, for example when walking on the pavement or waiting at traffic lights
  • Turn off your engine when parked or stopped. Visit our anti-idling webpage for more information

Garden fires and barbeques

  • Avoid burning garden waste. Visit your local council webpages to find out more about garden waste collection and https://www.gloucestershirerecycles.com/reduce/composting/ for composting information, including £15 off compost bins for Gloucestershire residents
  • Avoid being near barbeques, fire pits and other garden fires, especially if you have asthma or other health conditions. This also applies to restaurants e.g. charcoal grills, pizza ovens or deep fat fryers for example

Fire works

  • If you have asthma or other respiratory illness, consider avoiding firework displays or bonfires. If you do attend, make sure you have your inhaler or other relief apparatus

Indoor air pollution exposure

We can take steps to reduce indoor air pollution and our exposure to it:

Cooking

Heating

  • Avoid using any wood or coal fuels for heating or cooking in your home. Most people who have wood burners have other ways to heat their homes
  • If you have a gas boiler, make sure this is regularly checked and serviced and that exhaust gases aren't entering your property

Cleaning

  • Avoid chemical based products. If you can, find natural based alternatives
  • If you do used chemical products, open a window when cleaning
  • Opt for fragrance free products

Smells

  • Avoid using air fresheners or other scented products
  • Opt for liquid or solid scents and deodorants over aerosols
  • Avoid burning incense, scented candles or paraffin candles. If you do, open a window

Black mould (mould from condensation and water vapour)

  • Cover pots when boiling water, and open windows if possible
  • Open windows and use extractor fans (if you have one) when showering or having a bath
  • Avoid drying clothes indoors, including on radiators. Hang washing outdoors if you have the option, or consider purchasing a dehumidifier if possible for drying clothes indoors

If you have concerns about mould, please contact your local council housing team. Information as to how to contact should be available on local council websites, or call / email their main helpline.