When air pollutants enter the body, they can effect a number of organs and systems, which include:
- eyes, nose and throat;
- lungs and respiratory system;
- and heart.
Heart and blood vessel diseases are one of the main effects of air pollution, which include:
- strokes;
- and hardening of the arteries.
There is also recent evidence to suggest that it can:
- Affect the brain and is possibly linked to dementia and cognitive decline.
- Impact early life, such as low birth weight.
Health effects of air pollution:
- Short-term: asthma, coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.
- Long-term: stroke, lung cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Air pollution affects everyone and air in all areas of the UK contains some man-made pollutants. Being exposed to these has a number of health effects. These come about at every stage of life, from a foetus' first weeks, all the way through to old age.
The health effects of air pollution are complex and range in how severe the impact is. In some cases, damage can be gradual and may not become apparent for many years. Improving air quality is crucial to help people live longer, healthier lives.
A study in 2006 found that lowering PM by 10µg/m3 would extend lifespan in the UK by:
- 5 times more than ending casualties on the roads;
- or three times more than ending passive smoking.
Scale of the problem
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It is estimated that long-term exposure to man-made air pollution in the UK has an annual effect equivalent to:
Over the next 18 years, a 1 ug/m3 reduction in fine pollution in England could prevent around:
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What we are doing
We have a statutory role to assess and improve local air quality. The combined effect of all local authorities doing this can be significant. As a local authority, we work hard to make long-term changes to improve air quality for all as we:
- Invest in infrastructure/public transport and promote active travel/cycle routes.
- Work along with The West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) towards the Bus Strategy (2040) Environment Policy. This aims to create a modern, low carbon bus system.
- Decarbonise our vehicles to help meet our aim, which is to be net zero by 2038.
- Align our tree planting initiatives with the White Rose Forest Action Plan. This is to increase local tree canopy cover by more than a third.
What you can do
There are lots of ways you can help to tackle poor air quality in Calderdale:
- Do not use your car as often for short journeys.
- Reduce how much you burn in your home and garden.
- If you choose to burn, switching to using cleaner fuels like Ready to Burn wood and to more efficient appliances.
- Open your windows when you clean, do DIY, smoke or do other activities that release pollutants directly into your home.
- Stay away from traffic if you walk or cycle.
- Walk on the side of the path furthest from the road.
- Use quieter roads and keep back when waiting to cross the road.
- Turn off your car engine when you park or when you are stood in traffic.
- Plant trees or shrubbery.
- Walk and cycle.