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Pollution control - air

The Commercial Environmental Health Team operates several monitoring sites  for a range of pollutants. Currently the section monitors for oxides of nitrogen, sulphur dioxide, ozone and fine particles at various sites across the borough.

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The stations are equipped to monitor for:

In May 1997 the Government produced the National Air Quality Strategy (NAQS). The strategy represents a comprehensive approach to maintaining and improving the quality of ambient air in the United Kingdom.

Outlined in the strategy are the air quality objectives for the seven pollutants the Government feels are of most concern at present and the dates it feels these targets should be met. These objectives are shown below.

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PM10 Particulates

PM10 describes the fraction of airborne particulate matter that is less than 10 microns in size. Fine particles are of the greatest concern since they are capable of being easily transported over long distances on currents of air. Also, fine particles may be drawn into the respiratory airways where they may adversely affect health. Recently, the attention of scientists has been drawn towards studying the PM2.5 fraction and even smaller particles, which can penetrate the very deepest parts of the lung.

PM10 and other particulate matter may vary considerably in chemical and physical composition. The principal sources of these particles are combustion processes, including traffic and industry.

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Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)

Nitrogen dioxide is one of a number of nitrogen oxides, which are formed during high temperature combustion processes. Road traffic is the main source, accounting for approximately 50 percent of all European emissions. Therefore, concentrations tend to be highest in urban environments with high traffic levels. Large industrial sources can also have a significant impact.

Nitrogen dioxide is a respiratory irritant and also plays a part in the production of another atmospheric pollutant, Ozone. Nitrogen oxides remain in the atmosphere for approximately one day before they are oxidised to nitric acid. Nitrogen oxides are therefore a contributory factor in the production of acid rain.

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Ozone (O3)

Ozone is a very reactive chemical, which is potentially toxic to both plants and animals. In the stratosphere, ozone helps to protect the earth from the harmful effects of ultra-violet rays from the sun. However at ground level it is a pollutant. Unlike the other pollutants mentioned above, ozone is not emitted directly. Rather, it is formed as a result of a complex series of reactions involving hydrocarbons, sunlight and nitrogen dioxide (NO2).

The involvement of sunlight in this process means that ozone levels tend to be highest in summer. The reactions take time to generate ozone and the highest concentrations are frequently experienced many miles away from the source of the pollution, perhaps in rural areas. In fact, a significant proportion of ozone incidents experienced in the UK are due to pollution imported from abroad. The problem of ozone pollution can therefore only be adequately dealt with as a result of international agreements.

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Air Quality and Walking

Tackling poor air quality remains a challenging task given that Haringey, like other London boroughs continues to breach the air quality objectives for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and respirable particulates (PM10).

The dominant source of NO2 and PM10 emissions in Haringey is road transport. The 2008 London Atmospheric Emissions Inventory states that 57 percent of emissions of PM10 in Haringey are from road vehicles and 50 percent are NOx emissions. Your emissions of NOx, particulates and CO2 from either your journey or vehicle can be calculated at the Travel Footprint website (external link).

Leaving your car at home and switching to walking or cycling instead can be very beneficial; for you and your environment. You can find more information on health benefits, local walking routes and useful resources on our walking page.

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Haringey’s Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP)

The borough of Haringey is an Air Quality Management Area for the pollutants of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and PM10 (breathable dust) and so the council is required to produce an air quality action plan. The first AQAP was published in 2003. This second AQAP is aimed at reducing NO2 and PM10 emissions, primarily through transport, non-transport and awareness raising measures.

Tackling poor air quality remains a challenging task given that Haringey, like other London boroughs continues to breach the air quality objectives for NO2 and PM10. The dominant source of NO2 and PM10 emissions in Haringey is road transport with a variety of other sources contributing emissions. According to the Mayors Air Quality Strategy 2010, contributions of NOx emissions in Greater London comprise of 46 percent from road transport and 22 percent from domestic gas.

An integrated approach to improving local air quality at priority locations has been adopted in the new Air Quality Action Plan. This will help to ensure that policies and initiatives related to air quality, transport and planning are balanced and coordinated across the Council. In the long term, tackling air quality issues together achieves greater cost savings and health benefits.

The main objectives of the Action Plan are to:

  • demonstrate the Council’s commitment to improving air quality and lead by example
  • provide an overview of local key policies with respect to air quality
  • improve air quality whilst maintaining economic stability and to explore wider economic opportunities.
  • involve all relevant council departments and external agencies where appropriate, to ensure a balanced and integrated approach Haringey
  • to improve the quality of life and health of the residents and workforce in Haringey.

The AQAP can be viewed or downloaded from the attached files section below.

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Air Quality Progress Report 2010

This report looks back at the air quality monitoring information that the council has gathered in the year 2010; it also serves to maximise the usefulness and interpretation of the monitoring carried out by the local authority. The report provides a readily available up-to-date source of information and provides a source of information for developers carrying out air quality assessments for new schemes.

In 2010 the review of monitoring data has shown that there was a slight increase in annual NO2 levels across the borough and so the conclusions and predictions from the first round of review and assessment remain valid and that the Council was correct in its decision to declare an Air Quality Management Area for the pollutants of nitrogen dioxide and PM10. The hourly NO2 objective has not been exceeded. Air quality in respect of Particulate Matter as PM10, or sulphur dioxide have not exceeded recommended levels.

A copy of the report can be downloaded from the Attached Files Section at the bottom of this page.

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Air pollution alerts

AirTEXT is a free service that alerts members when air pollution is poor. See the AirTEXT page for more information and find out how to register.

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Contact

Commercial Environmental Health
Regulatory Services
Place and Sustainability Directorate
Units 271-272,
Lee Valley Technopark,
Ashley Road,
Tottenham
London N17 9LN

Tel 020 8489 1000
Fax 020 8489 5133
Email Enforcement@Haringey.gov.uk

Attached Files

The following links are not part of the Haringey Council website. Please read our legal disclaimer before using these links

Page Last Updated: 28 February 2012

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