Air Quality for All What exactly is air pollution?

The ‘Big Five’ of Air Pollution 1 Nitrogen Oxides NO x Sources: Mostly take the forms of nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ). Released as part of the combustion of fossil fuels This occurs in vehicles (estimated 42% in London) and in power generation, as well as (to a minor extent) domestic gas burning. Health Impacts: Decreased lung function Increased susceptibility to allergens Induce asthma attacks in vulnerable people

The ‘Big Five’ of Air Pollution 2 Sulphur Dioxide SO 2 Sources: Released as a waste product from the combustion of coal and oil A major source comes from coal fired power plants No longer permitted to be used in petrol and diesel for cars but still found in marine fuels Health Impacts: Irritates and narrows the lining of airways, reducing the flow of air to the lungs Asthma suffers are more prone to an attack In high concentrations, can sting and irritate eyes

The ‘Big Five’ of Air Pollution Ozone O 3 Sources: 3 Formed when nitrous oxides and organic compounds react in sunlight Health Impacts: Long term exposure increases chances of mortality from respiratory conditions and diseases Increases mortality rates amongst those with pulmonary diseases, and diabetes Increases the incidence and severity of asthma Reduces lung growth in children Reduces cognitive development and increases chances of premature births

The ‘Big Five’ of Air Pollution Particulates PM 10 Sources: 4 Can include carbon, sulphate, nitrate and metallic particles Created by mechanical processes such as mining and demolishing on building sites, as well as wear and tear on roads Released as waste from the combustion of coal Diesel vehicle exhausts are a major source Health Impacts: Some links to cardiovascular diseases Short term exposure can lead to poor breathing and respiratory difficulties (Those under 10  m in diameter – six times smaller than the width of a human hair)

The ‘Big Five’ of Air Pollution Particulates PM 2.5 Sources: 5 Mostly made up of carbon particles Released as a waste product of the combustion process, with most of the pollutant coming from road transport emissions Health Impacts: Blocks gaseous exchange to the blood stream deep inside the lungs Strong correlation between high exposures and heart attacks and strokes Reduced lung development in children Increased development of respiratory diseases such as asthma Some links to the prevalence of cancers Some links to higher infant mortalities and lower birth weights 5 (Those under 2.5  m in diameter – twenty four times smaller than the width of a human hair)