We rely on clean air for our health. Poor air quality is both a threat to our health and the environment. Some people are more susceptible to air pollution than others. Vulnerable groups include the young and elderly, people with respiratory ailments and asthma sufferers. Motorists, joggers and cyclists on busy roads are also at risk.
Air pollution can also damage masonry on buildings, cause acid rain and produce smoke and odour.
Monitoring data is a very important part of the review and assessment process. Air pollution has been monitored in Southampton since 1994 from a permanent City Centre Station at Six Dials Junction. This site is part of the DETR funded Automatic Urban and Rural Network. The ambient air is passed through very sensitive gas analysers which can detect levels of pollution as low as one part per billion. A permanent station has been established beside Redbridge Road at Redbridge Community School and a mobile trailer unit is currently deployed at Bitterne Road by Mays Carpets.