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Traffic pollution drops in lockdown – but other risks to air quality increase, reveal Manchester researchers.

2greys profile image
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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.

manchester.ac.uk/discover/n...

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SquirrelsHolt profile image
SquirrelsHolt

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 .

2greys profile image
2greys in reply to SquirrelsHolt

I am fully with you over the rant.

Gladwyn profile image
Gladwyn in reply to SquirrelsHolt

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!

SORRELHIPPO profile image
SORRELHIPPO

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.

2greys profile image
2greys in reply to SORRELHIPPO

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.

MoyB profile image
MoyB

I've had a lot of 'Air Alert' texts lately warning my of high ozone levels in our area. xxMoy

Trevorio profile image
Trevorio in reply to MoyB

That sounds interesting, how do you get those please?

2greys profile image
2greys in reply to Trevorio

Only Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire & Sevenoaks. Click on an area and register for free filling in your details, and phone number.

airalert.info/

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.

aqicn.org/city/united-kingdom/

MoyB profile image
MoyB in reply to Trevorio

Google Air Alerts and your region and something should come up for you. xx Moy

Trevorio profile image
Trevorio in reply to MoyB

Yes found it, thanks.

Trevorio profile image
Trevorio

Thank you, I will give it a try.

stamford1234 profile image
stamford1234

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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