Traffic pollution for most parts of the UK is plummeting thanks to the COVID-19 lockdown but more urban ozone – a dangerous air pollutant which can cause airway inflammation in humans - is probably being generated, say experts from The University of Manchester.
The analysis was led by Hugh Coe, Professor of Atmospheric Composition, plus air pollution expert Dr James Allan from Manchester’s Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. Their findings have been submitted in response to a call for evidence from the government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
According to Manchester research, levels of nitrogen oxides have shown reduction in most locations in the UK during mid-March and April when lockdown has been in full force – but the level of decline ranges from of 20 to 80 percent.
The Guardian online has an article entitled "Corona Virus lockdown causes big drop in airp ollution". Although it states that air pollution has been coming down, although ozone levels have risen. The nearest place to us is London, where the ozone has been much higher, in fact the highest of all the cities included.
"The analysis is preliminary as full calibration of the data takes time, but Lee said it was very clear there had been a significant fall in pollution. The biggest factor is the reduction in road traffic, as other contributors such as gas power station operations, heating for buildings and emissions from farms are unlikely to have changed overall.
One pollutant – ozone – has risen. This is because chemical interactions in the air normally result in NO2 and small particles reducing ozone levels. So as they have fallen, ozone has risen. But Lee said: “The ozone increases are small, and it usually doesn’t become a problem until the summer months anyway.”
This may go some way to explain while we have been experiencing high pollution during the warmer weather.
"Ground-level ozone is a colorless and highly irritating gas that forms just above the earth's surface. It is called a "secondary" pollutant because it is produced when two primary pollutants react in sunlight and stagnantair. These two primary pollutants arenitrogen oxides(NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)" Read more on the website below
I’ve missed most of the comments re pollen where do I find out if high/ low I suffer badly if high itchy pallet, nose eyes ears I take antihistamines daily year round, asthma reaction etc
According to DEFRA we are experiencing level 3 pollution, which is the high end of low. I still normally experience increased breathlessness at this level, but the last couple of days were something else. Unfortunately the local monitors sight still seems to be not working.
Good morning everybody. According to the DEFRA website this morning, pollution rates have dropped today, so we should all be able to breathe more easily. The local air pollution monitor site seems to be down, so can't see what's happening in Eastbourne at the moment. Have a nice day.
The air pollution is still high today, but not as much as yesterday. According to DEFRA, they are expecting changes in air pollution emissions, concentrations and exposure during the COVID-19 outbreak in the UK. I
have included the following excerpt from their News 7th April.
"The unprecedented changes in living and working patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic are likely to have had a significant, but as yet unquantified, effect on air pollution in the UK. For example, the current restrictions on travel will have changed road transport emissions, and altered the locations where people are currently exposed to pollution. The relative mixtures of different pollutants being emitted in the UK may also have changed. To provide more accurate assessment of the potential impacts of air pollution in the coming months, better estimates of UK emissions, concentrations and exposure during COVID-19 are required. These are needed to underpin both short-term and seasonal predictions of UK air quality, and to inform any potential changes that might be needed to current air pollution reduction interventions."
I'm definitely aware of the change in air quality over the past few days. Really struggled with my exercise yesterday morning but better again today - but thinking about it, I did it today before we opened up the windows and doors.
@colekimberlee My breathing is so bad day, as is my hay fever, that I can't really do anything very much at the moment. I don't about you, but i don't just to breathe, i also struggle to think when I get so breathless
Thank you Felicity keep all this news coming
Study about changes in air pollution due to COVID lockdown:
https://www.manchester.ac.uk/discover/news/traffic-pollution-drops-in-lockdown--but-other-risks-to-air-quality-increase-reveal-manchester-researchers/
Traffic pollution for most parts of the UK is plummeting thanks to the COVID-19 lockdown but more urban ozone – a dangerous air pollutant which can cause airway inflammation in humans - is probably being generated, say experts from The University of Manchester.
The analysis was led by Hugh Coe, Professor of Atmospheric Composition, plus air pollution expert Dr James Allan from Manchester’s Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. Their findings have been submitted in response to a call for evidence from the government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
According to Manchester research, levels of nitrogen oxides have shown reduction in most locations in the UK during mid-March and April when lockdown has been in full force – but the level of decline ranges from of 20 to 80 percent.
Thanks all for info I listen out for pollen count
The Guardian online has an article entitled "Corona Virus lockdown causes big drop in airp ollution". Although it states that air pollution has been coming down, although ozone levels have risen. The nearest place to us is London, where the ozone has been much higher, in fact the highest of all the cities included.
"The analysis is preliminary as full calibration of the data takes time, but Lee said it was very clear there had been a significant fall in pollution. The biggest factor is the reduction in road traffic, as other contributors such as gas power station operations, heating for buildings and emissions from farms are unlikely to have changed overall.
One pollutant – ozone – has risen. This is because chemical interactions in the air normally result in NO2 and small particles reducing ozone levels. So as they have fallen, ozone has risen. But Lee said: “The ozone increases are small, and it usually doesn’t become a problem until the summer months anyway.”
This may go some way to explain while we have been experiencing high pollution during the warmer weather.
"Ground-level ozone is a colorless and highly irritating gas that forms just above the earth's surface. It is called a "secondary" pollutant because it is produced when two primary pollutants react in sunlight and stagnantair. These two primary pollutants arenitrogen oxides(NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)" Read more on the website below
https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/air-pollution/pollutants/common-contaminants/ground-level-ozone.html
Also online weather sites now seem to include pollen count, air pollution and UV levels. I need to keep an eye on all three
Hi Eileen, the weather broadcasts on the Telly often show the pollen count after the weather report.
I’ve missed most of the comments re pollen where do I find out if high/ low I suffer badly if high itchy pallet, nose eyes ears I take antihistamines daily year round, asthma reaction etc
Another interesting article from "Science Daily", this time on air pollution
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/07/190708201829.htm
Thanks for all the air quality information - very useful
Change in the weather today, pollution down
Don't I know it what the devil is going on ????
According to DEFRA the pollution levels are up to high again today
The pollen level is now medium according to the Met office, and pollution is low.
According to DEFRA we are experiencing level 3 pollution, which is the high end of low. I still normally experience increased breathlessness at this level, but the last couple of days were something else. Unfortunately the local monitors sight still seems to be not working.
Hi Felicity thank you my lungs are saying something different this morning and my nose is running I wonder what the levels are here ??
Thanks for that info, Felicity. Hope everyone has a better day today.
Good morning everybody. According to the DEFRA website this morning, pollution rates have dropped today, so we should all be able to breathe more easily. The local air pollution monitor site seems to be down, so can't see what's happening in Eastbourne at the moment. Have a nice day.
Thank you Felicity it's great to have this information your 🌟 please keep us updated
The air pollution is still high today, but not as much as yesterday. According to DEFRA, they are expecting changes in air pollution emissions, concentrations and exposure during the COVID-19 outbreak in the UK. I
have included the following excerpt from their News 7th April.
"The unprecedented changes in living and working patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic are likely to have had a significant, but as yet unquantified, effect on air pollution in the UK. For example, the current restrictions on travel will have changed road transport emissions, and altered the locations where people are currently exposed to pollution. The relative mixtures of different pollutants being emitted in the UK may also have changed. To provide more accurate assessment of the potential impacts of air pollution in the coming months, better estimates of UK emissions, concentrations and exposure during COVID-19 are required. These are needed to underpin both short-term and seasonal predictions of UK air quality, and to inform any potential changes that might be needed to current air pollution reduction interventions."
https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/news?view=259
I'm definitely aware of the change in air quality over the past few days. Really struggled with my exercise yesterday morning but better again today - but thinking about it, I did it today before we opened up the windows and doors.