Air Quality

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Poor air quality remains the greatest environmental risk to public health in the UK, impacting those with breathing and heart conditions the most. Poor air quality is associated with causing and exacerbating a wide range of disease including lung cancer. The equivalent of 340,000 years of life are lost each year due to human-made air pollution indoors and outdoors in the UK. In Southampton, 6.3% of deaths can be attributed to particulate matter pollution alone.  

Particulate Matter (PM) and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) are the pollutants of largest concern. PM is mostly emitted from the burning of wood and other solid fuels in the home and industry while road transport is the main source of NO2 and also contributes to PM.  

Taking action to improve air quality will reduce the burden pollution has on the health of our residents and help tackle inequalities. Developments which prioritise clean air have the opportunity to have a large positive impact on our air and the health of our residents, including new occupants.