Hambleton District Council

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Air Quality

Air is a mixture of gases present in the atmosphere that enable us to breathe. Good air quality is essential - not only for our health, but also for our quality of life and for the environment. When air becomes polluted it contains substances that may be harmful to our health.

Everyone can be affected by air pollution to some degree. However, it is people with existing respiratory complaints such as asthma or bronchitis who tend to be affected the most.

There are many ways to help reduce air pollution:

At Home
Do make sure that your heating system is properly maintained - you will use less fuel, produce fewer harmful emissions and reduce your heating bills
Don't leave lights on when not needed
Do buy energy efficient light bulbs - they use less electricity and can save you money
Don't burn rubbish or waste on bonfires - take it to a waste disposal site, compost or recycle it

On the Road
Don't make unnecessary car journeys, especially short trips
Do take a bus or train if possible
Do try to cycle or walk instead
Do make sure that your vehicle is properly maintained and keep tyres at the correct pressure
Do switch off your car engine if stuck at traffic lights or railway crossings for more than a few minutes
Do car share to work - reduce air pollution and save money
Do try to drive smoothly - don't rev your vehicle unnecessarily and avoid hard acceleration and heavy braking
Do buy small, energy efficient, 'cleaner and greener' cars


The following documents are available to view and/or download:
Review and Assessment Stages 1 and 2 Opens in a new window

Review and Assessment Stage 3 Opens in a new window

Review and Assessment - Updating and Screening Assessment 2003 Opens in a new window

Review and Assessment - Progress Report 2004 Opens in a new window

Review and Assessment - Progress Report 2005 Opens in a new window

Review and Assessment - Updating and Screening 2006 Opens in a new window


If you would like to know more about air quality check out the following websites:

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
www.defra.gov.uk/environment/airquality/index.htm Opens in a new window

AEA Technology Environment
www.aeat.co.uk/netcen/airqual

National Society for Clean Air and Environmental Protection (NSCA)
www.nsca.org.uk/ Opens in a new window

Contact us
If you are concerned about air quality in Hambleton call the council on 0845 1211 555 or contact:

John Warren
Environmental Protection Officer
Hambleton District Council
Civic Centre
Stone Cross
Northallerton
North Yorkshire
DL6 2UU

Click here if you have any comments or queries regarding pollution.