Air pollution
Poor air quality can have harmful effects on our health. Atmospheric pollutants can cause a range of health effects from the minor (eye irritation), to the more serious (impairment of breathing).
Pollutants are present in the air you breathe when we are outside and the air you breathe in your own home.
Potential health effects of air pollution
There are three important air pollutants which are routinely monitored by Environmental Health because of their potential to cause adverse health effects:
| Particulate matter (PM) |
- vehicle emissions (particularly diesel)
- industrial and domestic emissions
- windswept dust
- salt
- sand
|
Can harm respiratory and cardiovascular systems and is linked to asthma and increased mortality.
Fine particles with a diameter of ten microns and smaller (PM10) can be inhaled deep into soft lung tissue.
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| Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) |
Products
of combustion from vehicles and both industrial and domestic sources. Can
also interact in sunlight to create low level ozone
|
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) causes inflammation of the airways at high concentrations.
These gases irritate the airways of the lungs, increasing the symptoms of those suffering from lung diseases, including asthmatics.
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| Hydrocarbons |
A variety of volatile organic chemicals that are used in fuels and some industrial processes. They also contribute to the formation of low-level ozone. |
At low concentrations are unlikely to pose a health risk, but long-term exposure can cause a wide variety of potential health effects ranging from irritation through to cardiovascular and central nervous system damage and cancer. |
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Air quality monitoring
The Water and Air team monitors air pollutants at a number of sites around the Island. Find out more information and results of air quality monitoring on our air quality monitoring page. We work closely with other Government departments such as Public Health, Environmental Health, the Traffic team and third parties such as Digital Jersey and local charities.
Jersey Crematorium emissions monitoring report 2015
In 2015, a report was carried out at the crematorium. It confirmed that the crematorium meets internationally accepted standards.
Jersey Crematorium emissions monitoring report 2015
gov.je