Air Quality
The air we breathe is essential to life. We rely on clean air for our health. Poor air quality is both a threat to our health and the environment.
Contact Details:
Address: Pollution and safety service, Southampton City Council, Southbrook Rise, 4-8 Millbrook Road East, Southampton.
Postcode: SO15 1YG
Telephone: 023 8083 2670
Email: pollution.safety@southampton.gov.uk
Details of service:
Some people are more susceptible to air pollution than others. Vulnerable groups include the young and elderly, people with respiratory ailments and asthma sufferers. Motorists, joggers and cyclists on busy roads are also at risk. Air pollution can also damage masonry on buildings, cause acid rain and produce smoke and odour.
Air Quality Review and Assessment
The Environment Act 1995 set out new responsibilities on local authorities to review the air quality in their areas and assess it against a set of national standards. These standards were subsequently published in the National Air Quality Strategy (NAQS) with associated objectives. Where the air quality is likely to fail to reach the objectives in 2005, then the local authority must declare Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) and formulate action plans to reduce pollution.
Air Quality Management
Where the assessment process has identified that air quality objectives are not being met Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA's) may be declared. The actions taken to improve air quality in the AQMA's and across the city are described in the Councils Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP), adopted in April 2008.
Climate Change
Climate change affects quality of life; increasing risk to health, safety, and property and, therefore has costs and benefits for individuals and for the private and public sectors.
Last updated: 3 July 2008
