Air pollution - Accurate identification of activities and legislation which reduce the harmful effects.

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E3: accurate identification of activities and legislation which reduce the harmful effects.

Air Pollution

Local authorities and corporate clients are responsible under a wide and growing range of legislation to manage air quality and pollution. As public and social awareness of the environment increases, the legislative requirements are becoming tighter.

Key legislation relating to air pollution and gas emissions includes:-

  • Town and Country Planning Regulations
  • Environment Act 1995
  • Environmental Protection Act 1990
  • Part 2a of the Contaminated Land Regulations

The Government and devolved administrations are committed to meeting people's right to clean air. It is essential for a good quality of life. People have a right to expect that the air they breathe will not harm them. We have come a long way since the smog’s of the 1950s. We have achieved cleaner air through regulating industry and progressively tightening emissions standards for vehicles. Air quality in the UK is now generally very good. But there are still sometimes unacceptably high levels of pollution that can harm human health and the environment.

In many countries in the world, steps are being taken to stop the damage to our environment from air pollution. Scientific groups study the damaging effects on plant, animal and human life. Legislative bodies write laws to control emissions. Educators in schools and universities teach students, beginning at very young ages, about the effects of air pollution.

The first step to solving air pollution is assessment. Researchers have investigated outdoor air pollution and have developed standards for measuring the type and amount of some serious air pollutants.

Scientists must then determine how much exposure to pollutants is harmful.

Once exposure levels have been set, steps can be undertaken to reduce exposure to air pollution. These can be accomplished by regulation of man-made pollution through legislation. Many countries have set controls on pollution emissions for transportation vehicles and industry. This is usually done to through a variety of coordinating agencies which monitor the air and the environment. At the , the carries out world wide environmental projects..

Prevention is another key to controlling air pollution. The regulatory agencies mentioned above play an essential role in reducing and preventing air pollution in the environment.

In addition, it is possible to prevent many types of air pollution that are not regulated through personal, careful attention to our interactions with the environment. In the UK, most household products come with instructions about safe use. Building materials should be reviewed for potential harmful effects.

Adequate ventilation is also a key to controlling exposure to indoor air pollution. Home and work environments should be monitored for adequate air flow and proper exhaust systems installed.

One of the most dangerous air pollutants is cigarette smoke. Restricting smoking is an important key to a healthier environment. Legislation to control smoking is in effect in some locations, but personal exposure should be monitored and limited wherever possible. There are many places now which have band smoking in public places.

When it comes to the environment, even the smallest individual action really does make a difference - and can benefit you too! There are many easy changes we can all make to our everyday lives to help protect and improve our environment - it just involves a little bit of extra thought about our day-to-day actions and how they impact on the environment.

Local pollution, such as car fumes, can aggravate asthma and cause premature deaths in those seriously ill. But you can help by, where possible, not using your car for short journeys, sharing car journeys with friends and family and having your car serviced regularly.

Pollution is also affecting the whole world. The burning of fuel in power stations and oil refineries provides you with the energy you use in your home and car. This burning of fuel also pumps out 'greenhouse gases' which cause global warming. In the UK this could mean more floods and storms, drier summers and wetter winters. You can do your bit to help the environment, and save money at the same time, by saving energy and resources.

Join now!

There are many things you can do as an individual to help reduce pollution levels and improve the quality of life for yourself, your family and others. Try to use your car less often - why not walk, cycle or use public transport? Cycling or walking is healthier for both the environment and you. You are exposed to much higher levels of air pollution inside a car than if you walked or cycled. Instead of driving a car to work, you could always cycle or use public transport.

You can ask your employer or college about developing a green ...

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