The Department of the Environment has a number of air quality monitoring networks in the U.K. including several in urban areas. The Enhanced Urban Network is currently being established. There are also long established Urban Background Stations measuring smoke and sulphur dioxide where concentrations are expected to be highest, and in locations representative of peoples exposure for significant periods of time. Polluted air can affect human health in all sorts of ways, the effects ranging from slight feelings of discomfort to major respiratory problems. This may be caused by a single pollutant or the synergistic effect of a number of pollutants.
Air pollution can be a problem in large built up areas, where many people live.
It is possible to split urban air pollutants into two catorgories, that is, those pollutants that are emitted directly into the air and others that are formed by chemical reactions between pollutants and the action of sunlight in the atmosphere. There are several main pollutants which contribute to Urban Air Pollution. This is a highly water soluble gas, released by the combustion of fuels containing sulphur such as coal and oil. Can cause respiratory problems, leading to chronic bronchitis. Can affect asthmatics in terms of changes to pulmonary mechanics.