Traffic pollution for most parts of the UK is plummeting thanks to the COVID-19 lockdown but more urban ozone – a dangerous air pollutant which can cause airway inflammation in humans - is probably being generated, say experts from The University of Manchester.
The analysis was led by Hugh Coe, Professor of Atmospheric Composition, plus air pollution expert Dr James Allan from Manchester’s Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. Their findings have been submitted in response to a call for evidence from the government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
According to Manchester research, levels of nitrogen oxides have shown reduction in most locations in the UK during mid-March and April when lockdown has been in full force – but the level of decline ranges from of 20 to 80 percent.
Good morning and once again thank you for the link that is a quite scientific read(for the likes of me,lol) but with every step forward it seems theres a possibility that we do a side-step and undo some of the good we've done during COVID19 and the air we are breathing. I still am amazed that these home log burners, pumping out their noxious smoke, havent been held to account. Excuse the rant .
Agreed. We pass through 2 very small villages to get to town and in cold weather both have air thick with acrid smoke. There is a lovely house been on the market in one of them for a long time and I can guess why! Having said that though I have to confess I had a wood burner when I lived in a small hamlet many years ago. I plead ignorance!
Looking at the problems for lungs likely increased by the increase of the ozone, it looks as though, what gains are made for lung problems with reduction in one sort of pollution, will be increased again, by the other. Cannot win can we.
I have not really noticed a drop in the Air Quality Index here in Southampton, one pollutant falls only for others to rise, so the overall pollution level has not really changed.
I just use a website, it covers the whole of the UK. Where it says Enter your City, erase the words "united-kingdom" and then type in your city then click on your city when it appears in the box below, The page will then change to show the pollution levels for your City, you can then bookmark that page for the future.
It amazed me just how fast pollution levels dropped. I suppose we should enjoy it while it lasts. Unfortunately a neighbour or mine seems to have a new hobby involving what sounds like a drill and lumps of concrete!
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