Air Quality

Air pollution is caused by the emission of pollutants, primarily gases and fine particles, into the atmosphere that are harmful to humans and the environment. Pollutants are influenced by complex chemical reactions, anthropogenic and natural processes and meteorology.

In the UK, most air pollution is caused by the combustion of fossil fuels for the purposes of transportation, heating and electricity generation. However, there are natural sources of air pollution such as dust storms, volcanic eruptions, forest fires and sea salt which can be transported over long distances to the UK.

Air pollution affects people’s health throughout their lives, including before birth, in the very young, through to older adults. Exposure to air pollution, indoors and outdoors, over a long period of time, reduces people’s life expectancy. Additionally, poor air quality can damage sensitive ecosystems, reduce biodiversity and degrade terrestrial and aquatic environments.

What do WRS do?

Worcestershire Regulatory Services undertake monitoring, assessment and reporting of outdoor air quality in the county on behalf of the six district authorities. Additionally, we provide technical guidance to our district authorities and Air Quality Partners to inform local strategies and policies and to make informed decisions, for example for planning applications.

We collaborate with neighbouring authority air quality experts and other groups such as sustainability and public health colleagues, and local academia to improve air quality across the West Midlands. We also raise awareness of air pollution and encourage behavioural change to protect human health and the environment through working with local schools and communities, and provision of information on these webpages.

Click the links below to find out further information on the work we do, about air pollutants and health, advice on how to protect yourself, your family and environment and to access interactive maps of current air quality in Worcestershire.

Links to related topics:

• Pollution – Planning and Pollution, Permitted industrial installations and practices, requests for Environmental Information
• Smoke – including Smoke Control Areas and Chimneys
• Bonfires – Domestic, Commercial and Construction Settings