Learn More: What Can I Do To Reduce Air Pollution?

On the road:

Road vehicles produce over half the nitrogen dioxide emissions and three quarters of carbon monoxide emissions in the UK.

• Avoid using your car for short journeys.
• Try to walk or cycle instead of using the car.
• Try to use a bus or train if possible.

If you must drive:

• drive smoothly (you will save fuel and pollute less)
• don't rev your engine unnecessarily
• maintain your car, keep the engine properly tuned and tyres at the right pressure. 10% of poorly maintained cars cause more than 50% of pollution
• keep your tyres correctly inflated; it can save up to 8% on your fuel bill.

At home:

• Think about how far the food you buy has travelled, try to choose local produce.
• Don't light a bonfire while pollution is high. Never burn plastic or rubber.
• Use water-based or low solvent paints, varnishes, glues and wood preservatives.

Smoking:

Smoking is likely to have a much more serious effect on your health than air pollution. Giving up smoking will greatly cut down your risk of lung and heart disease. It will also make you less vulnerable to the short-term effects of air pollution.

If you want help to stop smoking, the QUITLINE number is: 0800 00 22 00.

Air Quality and Climate Change:

Actions to improve air quality have the additional benefit of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. For example, by reducing the impact of transport on air quality (by tackling congestion and encouraging public transport, walking and cycling) we also reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Carbon dioxide is the main greenhouse gas responsible for climate change. Measures to improve energy efficiency should also reduce the air pollutants that are produced during electricity generation.