Category Archives: Air Quality

Extreme Weather and a Changing Climate

Leave a Reply

Extreme Weather and a Changing Climate

Extreme weather events are unfolding with increasing frequency and intensity. From raging wildfires that consume vast swathes of land to devastating floods that displace millions, the fingerprints of climate change are becoming undeniable. These extreme weather events are not isolated incidents; they are a stark reminder of the urgent need for collective action to address the climate crisis.

Image: RCraig09 CC BY-SA 4.0

One of the most visible manifestations of extreme weather is the increase in heatwaves. Prolonged periods of abnormally high temperatures can have devastating consequences for human health, agriculture, and ecosystems. Heatwaves can trigger wildfires, exacerbate drought conditions, and strain energy resources. In recent years, we’ve seen record-breaking heatwaves across the globe, from the Pacific Northwest to Europe and Asia, leading to thousands of deaths and widespread disruption.

Forest Fire Alberta Canada

Image: Cameron Strandberg from Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, Canada, CC BY 2.0

Another alarming trend is the intensification of hurricanes and tropical storms. Warmer ocean temperatures provide more energy for these storms, leading to higher wind speeds, heavier rainfall, and increased storm surge. The devastating impact of hurricanes like Katrina, Harvey, and Maria serve as stark reminders of the destructive power of these storms. Coastal communities are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of hurricanes, facing the risk of flooding, property damage, and displacement.

Extreme rainfall events are also on the rise, leading to more frequent and severe flooding. As the atmosphere warms, it can hold more moisture, resulting in heavier downpours. This can overwhelm drainage systems and cause rivers to overflow, inundating homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure.

Photograph shows a man wearing a blue jacket cycling on a white mountain bike down a flooded Street in England the water is approximately 10 centimeters deep and the bike is being cycled through it the man is looking towards on the left hand side of the picture the shops are a cartridge World shop which likely sells computer ink cartridges and toner cartridges for photocopiers and most of the shops have advertising in the windows and announcing discounts and sales and other promotions above the shops are various types of buildings with two or three additional stories about the chops and the left of the picture there is a cast iron effect street lamp which is approximate the three stories high there's also a white van driving down the road through the flood water the car has a W reg number plate which suggests an age of approximately 25 years old as of 2024

The impacts of extreme weather events are not evenly distributed. Vulnerable populations, such as low-income communities, the elderly, and people with disabilities, are disproportionately affected. These communities often lack the resources to prepare for and recover from extreme weather events, making them more susceptible to the negative consequences.

The link between extreme weather and climate change is clear. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the leading international body for assessing the science related to climate change, has concluded that human activities are the main driver of observed warming.

The burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and other human activities release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, trapping heat and causing the planet to warm.

While the challenges are significant, there is still time to act. Transitioning to a clean energy economy, investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, and protecting and restoring natural ecosystems are crucial steps in mitigating the impacts of climate change. International cooperation and collective action are essential to address this global crisis.

What are the Different Ways in which Humans Cause Pollution?

Leave a Reply

What are the Different Ways in which Humans Cause Pollution?

What are the different ways in which humans cause pollution? How many can you think of? Topics like climate change, and sewage spills get a lot of press, but what else is there and how do we measure it?

Plastic Pollution covering Accra beach – Muntaka Chasant

The Main Culprits

A quick enquiry on Google Gemini reveals the the top 3 most discussed enviromtal pollutant on the web, are:

  • Plastic Pollution: This is a major concern due to its persistence in the environment and its harmful effects on wildlife and ecosystems. Plastic pollution is often discussed in terms of microplastics, which are tiny pieces of plastic that can be ingested by animals and accumulate in the food chain.
  • Air Pollution: This is another major environmental concern, as it can have significant impacts on human health and the environment. Air quality is often discussed in terms of particulate matter, which can be inhaled and cause respiratory problems.
    Opens in a new window
  • Water Pollution: This is also a major concern, as water is essential for life. Water pollution can come from a variety of sources, such as industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and sewage. Water pollution can contaminate drinking water and harm aquatic ecosystems.

These are quite generic categories, and certainly air and water pollution can occur via contamination with numerous substances, which can include . .  plastic.

So let’s break this down a bit:

A Long List of Negative Impacts

Below we have a list of impacts that are considered in life cycle assessment, but they are not pollutants. However, they do represent pollutants. For example ozone depletion, would take in to account release of CFCs or HCFCs when manufacturing a product.

Below list we look, at an actual ist of pollutants that we test for in water and soils samples.

  • ecotoxicity: freshwater
  • ozone depletion
  • acidification
  • eutrophication: marine (EP)
  • eutrophication: terrestrial (EP)
  • eutrophication: freshwater (EP)
  • human toxicity: non-carcinogenic
  • photochemical ozone formation: human health
  • human toxicity: carcinogenic
  • particulate matter formation
  • ionising radiation: human health
  • material resources: metals/minerals
  • energy resources: non-renewable
  • land use
  • water use (WDP)
  • climate change
  • climate change: fossil
  • climate change: land use and land use change
  • climate change: biogenic
  • biogenic carbon content in accompanying packaging
  • biogenic carbon content in product
  • Cumulative Energy Demand – non-renewable energy resources
  • Cumulative Energy Demand – renewable energy resources
  • exported energy – electricity
  • exported energy – heat
  • hazardous waste disposed
  • high-level radioactive waste disposed
  • intermediate and low-level radioactive waste disposed
  • materials for energy recovery
  • materials for recycling
  • non-hazardous waste disposed
  • PENRE (non-renewable primary energy as an energy carrier in a life cycle assessment)
  • PENRM (primary energy non-renewable, material)
  • PERE (
  • PERM
  • recovered energy
  • use of net fresh water
  • use of renewable secondary fuels
  • use of secondary material

A List of Actual Pollutants

So below are a list of pollutants, rather than the above list of impacts. You will note some of these are “famous” poisons.

Arsenic Popular with Unimaginative Murderers

So of the below pollutants are more nasty than others, there are some famous ones (if you read agatha Christie Novels)  such as Arsenic, but have you ever heard of Dibenzo[a,h]anthracene? The safe level of Dibenzo[a,h]anthracene in soil, is around 60 times lower than that for Arsenic. This does not mean it is 60 times more toxic, but it gives an idea of how nasty Dibenzo[a,h]anthracene is!

  • Boron (hot water soluble)
  • Sulfate (2:1 water soluble) as SO4
  • Sulfur (elemental)
  • Cyanide (free)
  • Cyanide (total)
  • Sulfide
  • Sulfate (total)
  • Arsenic
  • Cadmium
  •  Chromium
  • Copper
  • Mercury
  • Nickel
  • Lead
  • Selenium
  • Zinc
  • Chromium (hexavalent)
  • TPH >C6-C10
  • TPH >C10-C21
  • TPH >C21-C40
  • Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons
  • Naphthalene
  • Acenaphthylene
  • Acenaphthene
  • Fluorene
  • Phenanthrene
  • Anthracene
  • Fluoranthene
  • Pyrene
  • Benzo[a]anthracene
  • Chrysene
  • Benzo[b]fluoranthene
  • Benzo[k]fluoranthene
  • Benzo[a]pyrene
  • Dibenzo[a,h]anthracene
  • Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene
  • Benzo[g,h,i]perylene
  • Total (of 16) PAHs
  • Benzene
  • Toluene
  • Ethyl benzene
  • m- & p-Xylene
  • o-Xylene
  • Phenols (total)
  • pH

Wonder Chemicals

One of humans’ favorite way of causing really bad pollution is with new wonder chemicals:

  • Asbestos
  • DDT
  • PCB
  • PFAS

In order of appearance the above short list of chemical has been released into the environment before anyone really understand them.

Asbestos was thought to be a very good flame / heat resistant material (which is was) but people overlooked (or ignored) it crystal structure and the effect that would have on delicate lung tissue. We are still cleaning up asbestos now, 40 years after is was passed out.

DDT & PCB are both very “persistent” chemicals they don’t break down, as so are prone to bioaccumulation. Which is why inuit mother’s breast milk has been found to be toxic, despite them living in a seemingly pristine environment.

Blood PCB levels in humans, observed across the Arctic – https://www.eea.europa.eu/

And more recently a group of chemical associated with fire retardation called PFAS or PFOS, are turning up absolutely everywhere, manufactures have been putting these forever chemicals in paper bags (for grease proofing) and as using them as flame retardants, and now guess what! They are turning up in people water supplies.

Conclusions

There are a mesmerising number of ways in which humans can pollute our environment. We can pollute the air, water and the soil. All things we rely on to exist.

There is also a mind boggling number of ways we can impact the planet, and and very long list of substances to do it with.

We are still learning about all of these interactions, and substances, and we are very prone to repeating mistakes.

The one to watch is plastic pollution . We each of us eat and drink 1000’s of particles a day, and that number will get higher, and subjectively speaking there is no way that can pan out well for humans (or the ecosphere) in the long run.

What does Nitrogen Dioxide do to Children’s Lungs?

Leave a Reply

What does Nitrogen Dioxide do to Children’s Lungs?

For those tempted by the populist media in to believing that ULEZ is a restriction on their freedoms, they must surely live in ignorance of the scientific evidence that proves how tailpipe emissions including nitrogen dioxide are permanently damaging children’s lungs.

Nitrogen Dioxide an Acid in the Making

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) can contribute to the acidification of children’s lungs. Here’s how:

  • Formation of Nitric Acid: When NO2 interacts with moisture in the lungs, it can react to form nitric acid.
  • Acidic Environment: Nitric acid is a strong acid. Its presence in the lungs can disrupt the delicate balance of the lung’s environment, making it more acidic.

Why is lung acidification harmful?

  • Damage to Lung Tissue: An acidic environment can damage the delicate tissues of the lungs, leading to inflammation and irritation.
  • Impaired Lung Function: Acidification can interfere with the normal functioning of lung cells, affecting their ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide effectively.
  • Increased Susceptibility to Infections: An acidic environment can weaken the lung’s defenses against infections, making individuals more vulnerable to respiratory illnesses.

How does acidification of the lung affect children?

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is one of a number of pollutants that can lower air quality harmful air pollutant that can have several negative effects on children’s lungs:

  • Respiratory Infections: NO2 can irritate the lungs and make children more susceptible to respiratory infections like colds, flu, and pneumonia.
  • Asthma: Children with asthma are particularly sensitive to NO2. Exposure can trigger asthma attacks, worsen symptoms, and even lead to the development of asthma in some cases.
  • Impaired Lung Development: Studies suggest that long-term exposure to NO2 may impair lung development in children, potentially leading to reduced lung function and increased respiratory problems later in life.
  • Increased Hospitalizations: Children exposed to high levels of NO2 are more likely to be hospitalized for respiratory problems.

So why do people object to ULEZ?

There various instance of Low Emission Zone expansion that have become very contentious across the country , but given the above evidence why is this the case? Surely protecting the health of children, particular given that residual effects of impaired lung development can last a lifetime?

This is down to the politicisation of issue, any populist will use a wedge issue such as this to drive division and hopefully pick up more votes in the process.

So my main two take outs from NO2 / Children’s lung post is a psychological / political ones, what is the depth of the cognitive dissonance in:

  • Our leaders (ex PM Sunak, Truss etc) that they can speak out against ULEZ, on economic grounds fueling the divided and playing into the hands of populist media.
  • The blinkered reader of the populist press. That they look at just one part of of the problem (ULEZ charge / Inconvenience) and via their sense of entitlement decry ULEZ as an attack on their freedoms, following the narrative of populist politician and media. . . . whilst ignoring the  very real and long lasting impacts that their driving habits have on the their children’s and grandchildren’s lungs!

References

Meta-analysis of the effects of indoor nitrogen dioxide and gas cooking on asthma and wheeze in children

Medical Management Guidelines for Nitrogen Oxides

The respiratory health effects of nitrogen dioxide in children with asthma

What Areas of UK have the Worst Air Quality?

Leave a Reply

Top 4 Worst Areas for Air Quality in the UK

Air quality in the United Kingdom varies across different regions and cities. According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the following areas in the UK have the worst air quality:

  • Greater London: Greater London has consistently high levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution, mainly due to road traffic emissions. In 2022, 16 out of the 20 local authorities in Greater London exceeded the annual legal limit for NO2.

image shows various shapes that represent the particles and organisms being discussed the virus is the smallest and the PM10 particle is the biggest

PM2.5 PM10 Relative Sizes

  • South Wales: South Wales has high levels of particulate matter (PM) pollution, mainly due to emissions from industrial processes and power plants. In 2022, four out of the five local authorities in South Wales exceeded the annual legal limit for PM10.

  • West Midlands: The West Midlands has high levels of NO2 pollution, mainly due to road traffic emissions. In 2022, four out of the seven local authorities in the West Midlands exceeded the annual legal limit for NO2.

  • Glasgow: Glasgow has high levels of NO2 pollution, mainly due to road traffic emissions. In 2022, Glasgow exceeded the annual legal limit for NO2.

Are these Always the Worst Places for Air Quality?

It is important to note that air quality can vary significantly within these areas, and there may be pockets of clean air even in areas with generally poor air quality. Additionally, air quality can vary from day to day depending on weather conditions and traffic levels.

Where can I find our more about Air Quality?

Here are some resources that you can use to find information about air quality in your area:

What Pollution is in the Air in London?

Leave a Reply

5 Mains Pollutants in the Air in London

The main sources of air pollution in London are road transport and domestic and commercial heating systems.This leads to a lowering of Air Quality.  These sources emit a variety of pollutants, including:

  • Nitrogen dioxide (NO2): NO2 is a reddish-brown gas that is produced when fossil fuels are burned. It is a major irritant to the lungs and can cause respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
  • Particulate matter (PM): PM is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. It can come from a variety of sources, including car exhaust, wood burning, and construction dust. PM can cause a variety of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer.
  • Ozone (O3): O3 is a gas that is formed when sunlight reacts with NO2 and other pollutants. It is a powerful irritant to the lungs and can cause respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis.
  • Sulfur dioxide (SO2): SO2 is a colorless gas that is produced when fossil fuels are burned. It is a major irritant to the lungs and can cause respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis.
  • Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): VOCs are a large group of chemicals that are released into the air from a variety of sources, including cars, factories, and paints. Some VOCs are known to be carcinogenic.

Lesser Know Pollutants in the Air in London

In addition to these main pollutants, air in London can also be contaminated with other pollutants such as carbon monoxide, lead, and mercury.

In addition to “chemicals” there is also a wide variety of plastic origin particle mater (POPP), this can come from laundry fibres and car tires.

a map showing air quality in central london yellow and green area are shown as being less polluted whilst red and purple areas are over the safe AQO limit, areas next to big ben and parliament square show as being above air quality objective

London Air Quality Network » Annual Pollution Maps

The levels of air pollution in London vary depending on the location and the time of year. Central London is generally the most polluted area, as it has the highest concentration of vehicles and other sources of pollution. Air pollution levels are also higher during the winter months, when people are more likely to burn wood for heating.

The Mayor of London has set a target of achieving world-class air quality by 2030. To achieve this goal, the city is implementing a variety of measures, including:

  • Reducing traffic emissions: The city is investing in public transportation, cycling infrastructure, and electric vehicles. ULEZs can also help reduce emissions from vehicles.
  • Improving energy efficiency: The city is helping businesses and residents to reduce their energy consumption, which will help to reduce air pollution emissions from heating and power generation. These schemes although available in theory are often difficult to apply for for, and they are not suitable for all people. For example swapping a gas boiler for a heat pump is only possible if your house is well insulated.
  • Planting trees and green spaces: Trees and other plants can help to filter air pollution and improve air quality. Some people even take it upon themselves to plant trees in their local neighbourhoods.

The city is also working with other cities and countries to share best practices and reduce air pollution on a global scale.

If you require an Air Quality Assessment in London or Bristol, or anywhere in the UK we are happy to help. Please contact us.

5 Air Quality Problems in London

Leave a Reply

London has a long history of poor air quality, and the problem has only worsened in recent years. The city’s air quality is now among the most polluted in Europe, and it is estimated that poor air quality contributes to the deaths of thousands of Londoners each year.

There are a number of factors that contribute to London’s poor air quality problem, including:

  • Road transport: Traffic congestion is a major source of poor air quality in London. Cars, buses, and trucks emit a variety of pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter (PM), and carbon monoxide (CO).
  • Domestic heating: The burning of wood, coal, and other fuels for heating homes and businesses also contributes to poor air quality. These fuels emit a variety of pollutants, including NO2, PM, and sulfur dioxide (SO2).
  • Industry: Industrial activities, such as power generation and manufacturing, also emit a variety of pollutants. These pollutants can include NO2, PM, SO2, and heavy metals.
  • Construction: Construction activities, such as demolition and roadwork, can also contribute to poor air quality. These activities can generate dust and other pollutants that can be harmful to human health.
  • Agriculture: Agriculture can also contribute to poor air quality, particularly from the use of pesticides and fertilizers. These pollutants can be carried by the wind and can end up in the air in urban areas.

The effects of poor air quality can be far-reaching. Short-term exposure to poor air quality can cause respiratory problems, such as asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Long-term exposure to poor air quality can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and respiratory diseases. Poor air quality can also contribute to premature death.

The city of London is taking steps to address the poor air quality problem. These steps include:

  • Investing in public transportation: The city is investing in public transportation, such as buses, trains, and trams. This will help to reduce the number of cars on the road and, in turn, reduce poor air quality.
  • Introducing clean air zones: The city has introduced clean air zones in central London. These zones charge vehicles that do not meet certain emissions standards. The aim of these zones is to reduce the number of polluting vehicles in the city center.
  • Encouraging people to walk and cycle: The city is encouraging people to walk and cycle more. This will help to reduce the number of cars on the road and, in turn, reduce poor air quality.
  • Working with businesses to reduce emissions: The city is working with businesses to reduce their emissions. This includes providing financial incentives and technical assistance to help businesses switch to cleaner technologies.

The city of London is making progress in addressing the poor air quality problem. However, there is still more work to be done. The city needs to continue to invest in public transportation, introduce clean air zones, and encourage people to walk and cycle more. Only then will London be able to achieve a healthy and sustainable air quality.

In addition to the city’s efforts, there are a number of things that individuals can do to reduce their impact on poor air quality. These include:

  • Drive less: If possible, walk, cycle, or take public transportation instead of driving.
  • Choose a fuel-efficient car: When you do need to drive, choose a car that is fuel-efficient.
  • Carpool or vanpool: If you can, carpool or vanpool with others to work or school.
  • Use public transportation: When possible, use public transportation instead of driving.
  • Walk or bike: If your destination is within walking or biking distance, walk or bike instead of driving.
  • Avoid idling your car: When you are stopped in traffic, turn off your car engine.
  • Keep your car well-maintained: Make sure your car is properly maintained, including regular oil changes and tune-ups.
  • Use less energy at home: You can reduce your energy use at home by making small changes, such as turning off lights when you leave a room, unplugging appliances when they are not in use, and weatherizing your home.
  • Plant trees: Trees help to improve air quality by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen.

By taking these steps, individuals can help to reduce poor air quality and improve the quality of life for everyone in London.

Air Quality Assessment London 

Air Qaulity Assessment – New Kent Rd, London

Leave a Reply

Air Quality Assessment – New Kent Rd, London

Southwest Environmental Limited have recently written an Air Quality Assessment for a site on New Kent Rd, London (SE1), the Air Quality Assessment report is for a small scale project. We prepare Air Quality Assessment Reports for any scale of project.

In this case the proposed project was at low risk of creating impacts as it was a single residential dwelling, the main focus of the report was assessment of risk from nearby sources such as New Kent Road.

NOX and Fine Particulate Levels fall off dramatically with distance, proving there is no canyoning effect. But in this case the streets lined with terraced houses do creating a canyoning effect which may prevent the dispersion of air borne pollutants.

This affect is hard to estimate, but we have used a review of nearby reports to make an estimate of air quality at the receptor (house) location and believe this will satisfy planning officials, with burdening the developer with disproportionate costs associated with bespoke modelling.

Image Courtesy of Luton Anderson 

Indoor Air Quality Monitoring – Bristol

Leave a Reply
SWEL Air Quality Consultants Bristol were approached by a site manager in Bristol who was concerned with odours in one of his companies meeting rooms. Southwest Environmental attended site to make an assessment of what was occuring.

It looked as though some carpet tiles on the floor of the room identified were “melted” in some way. It is likely we thought that some sort of solvent had been spilled on the floor. . .or had been present when the tiles were laid.

We start a rapid monitoring program for the presence of VOCs in the room in line with occupational exposure limits. We also sent the carpet tiles for analysis, to find out:

  • The type of Resin use in their making
  • Foreign contaminants (such as solvents)
We are awaiting results on both the monitoring and the analysis and will make conclusions is due course. 

Air Quality Impact Assessment Horsham, West Sussex

Leave a Reply

Air Quality Impact Assessment Horsham, West Sussex

Southwest Environmental Limited were engaged to undertake an Air Quality Assessment in Horsham. Ordinarily we would undertake an Air Quality Assessment in support of a planning application. But in this instance we were engaged by a Housing Association to undertake an Air Quality Assessment for a proposed development adjacent to their property.

The Housing Association were concerned that dust and gaseous emissions from the proposed demolition and construction activities would impact on their residents health.

We had a great deal of support from the Environmental Health Officer at the District Council, who proved invaluable in ensuring  our documents were put before the right people.

When working against a planning application such as was the case here, the biggest problem is often getting you report (regardless of how valid the conclusions are) in front of anyone with power to act.

We were lucky in this instance that there were various conditions of planning which were left unfinished, and as such we were able to comment on these as they were discharged.

The Air Quality Assessment Focus on applicable management practices for dust mitigation, monitoring requirements and methods for both dust and gaseous emissions. The baseline air quality report which was submitted with the initial application was rather limited in scope despite being accepted as adequate. However, it proved useful as it provided an overview of available secondary air quality data for the area.

SWEL also undertook a Noise Impact Assessment at the same site.

Air Quality Assessment – Norfolk

Leave a Reply

Air Quality Assessment  – Norfolk

Acting on instructions from a client Southwest Environmental Limited have prepared a Air Quality Assessment for a site in Norfolk.

The site sees the development of an area of land, for industrial use. The area includes numerous sensitive receptors to air pollution, such as residential and schools.

There is also an air quality management area to the north of site, which is currently trying to meeting 40ug/m3 target set by the European Air Quality Regulations.

The assessment of risks in this instance relied on secondary data collected, and used as a baseline. With impacts considered throughout the construction and operational phases of the development.

The report was issued within 10 working days of commissioning. The conclusions were positive.

Air Quality Assessment