Air pollution in Stevenage is 'well over WHO health limit'

Stevenage is an air pollution hotspot, the environmental group's latest data for annual background concentration of air pollutants shows.

The statistics show the annual concentration of nitrogen dioxide in Stevenage to be at 13.1 µg/m3 - significantly higher than the WHO's 'health limit' of 10 µg/m3.

Short-term exposure to concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) can cause inflammation of the airways and increase susceptibility to respiratory infections and allergens. NO2 can also cause changes to the environment. 

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The Friends of the Earth statistics also show the annual concentration of the air pollutant PM2.5 - fine particulate matter - in Stevenage is significantly higher than the WHO's 5 µg/m3 'health limit', sitting at 7.8 µg/m3.

The annual concentration of the air pollutant PM10 - small particulate matter - in Stevenage sits at 13.2 µg/m3, below the WHO's 'health limit' of 15.

Particulate matter can be inhaled and get deep into your lungs, or even your bloodstream, and can cause serious health problems.

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A spokesperson for Friends of the Earth said: "The biggest problem for air pollution is road traffic .

"Road transport is the major source of the toxic gas nitrogen dioxide in the air we breathe.

"Tiny particles, known as particulate matter, that find their way deep into our lungs and some of them into our bloodstream, and from there to our organs, come from a range of sources, but road traffic is a key source, including from brake and tyre wear from all vehicles, even clean or electric vehicles.

"We must tackle all air pollution at source. For transport, this means getting the most polluting vehicles off the road and reducing road traffic.

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"Children are particularly vulnerable to dirty air. Health effects can include asthma, reduced lung capacity, and can even impact their brain development.

"Reducing traffic and asking drivers not to leave their engines idling outside schools can make a difference to children's health."

In 2019, Stevenage Borough Council declared a climate emergency, committing to a package of measures designed to cut carbon emissions.

These measures included reducing emissions from council buildings and its fleet, and to support residents to cut their own emissions.