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Air quality

Introduction

Calderdale Council has monitored aspects of air quality for many years, and continues to do so. This is in addition to our investigation of complaints about air pollution, for example from factories or in Smoke Control Areas. Most of the monitoring is for local purposes but some of it contributes to a national database.

The Environment Act 1995 specifies eight pollutants all councils must consider as part of a national Air Quality Strategy. These are:

• carbon monoxide
• benzene
• 1-3 butadiene
• lead
• nitrogen dioxide
• fine particulates (PM₁₀)
• sulphur dioxide
• ozone.

Currently the Council's monitoring concentrates on traffic-related nitrogen dioxide, which has been identified as exceeding the air quality objectives in six areas.  These areas have been designated as Air Quality management Areas (AQMAs).

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