Nitrogen Dioxide Monitoring and Air Quality in Fareham

This Council has over 40 nitrogen dioxide monitoring sites throughout the Borough.

 

The survey sites include facade and kerbside sites which reflect the maximum concentration of nitrogen dioxide to which people may be exposed.  An intermediate site is 20-30 metres from a busy road in the centre of Fareham. Two urban background sites are over 50 metres from busy roads in residential areas, away from local bus routes.

 

Non-automatic monitoring of nitrogen dioxide is undertaken currently using 44 passive diffusion tubes which can be fixed to lamp posts, soil and vent pipes etc.  The tubes are left in place for a month, collected and then analysed at an accredited laboratory.  The results of average monthly levels of nitrogen dioxide are shown below and are used in the Council's Air Quality Review and Assessment process.

 

In June 2008 the Council commissioned a continuous nitrogen dioxide monitor at a location in the Gosport Road Air Quality Management Area.  The latter was declared in April 2006.  The automatic monitor has been funded for three years by contributions from Hampshire County Council and DEFRA.  Results from this monitor will be used with the diffusion tube results in future air quality review and assessment reports. 

 

 

The automatic monitor provides hourly nitrogen dioxide results that can be seen in the links below.  It should be noted that the results are based on real time data which has not been manually assessed or validated. 

Automatic Monitoring Results

Current Data - Graphic

This graphic shows the level of nitrogen dioxide at the site based on an hourly average according to DEFRAs Air Pollution Information Band System.  The system uses four bands to provide more detail about air pollution levels in a simple way, similar to the Sun and Pollen Indices.  They relate to the potential for the levels of pollution to impact on the health of the community. 

 

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The bands are as follows:

Low

The effects are unlikely to be noticed even by individuals who know they are sensitive to air pollutants.

Moderate

Mild effects, unlikely to require action, may be noticed amongst sensitive individuals.

High

Significant effects may be noticed by sensitive individuals and action to avoid or reduce these effects may be needed (eg reducing exposure by spending less time in polluted areas outdoors).  Asthmatics will find that their reliever inhaler is likely to reverse the effects on the lungs. 

Very High

The effects on sensitive individuals described for 'high' levels of pollution may worsen. 

Current Data - Graph

This graph shows the current levels of nitrogen dioxide as an hourly mean over the last couple of days.  The graph also shows the UK air quality objectives for nitrogen dioxide, that is, the annual mean of 40ug/m3 and the hourly mean of 200ug/m3.  The latter must not be exceeded more than 18 times a year.  The Gosport Road Air Quality Management Area is declared due to an on-going exceedence of the annual mean. 

 

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Current Data - Table

This table shows in numerical format the current levels of nitrogen dioxide as an hourly mean over the last couple of days.

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Diffusion Tube - Monitoring Results 2008

Monitoring results 2007

Monitoring results 2006

Monitoring results for 2005

Monitoring results for 2004:

Monitoring results for 2003:

About Nitrogen Dioxide

Nitrogen dioxide (NOČ) and nitric oxide (NO) are both oxides of nitrogen, and are collectively referred to as nitrogen oxides (NOx). All combustion processes produce NOx emissions, largely in the form of nitric oxide, which is then converted to nitrogen dioxide, mainly as a result of reaction with ozone in the atmosphere. It is nitrogen dioxide that is associated with adverse effects upon human health.* Only at very high levels these gases irritate the airways of the lungs, increasing the symptoms of those suffering from lung disease.  At low levels effects are unlikely to be noticed, even by people who know they are sensitive to air pollutants.**

 

The principal source of nitrogen oxides emissions is road transport, which accounted for about 49% of total UK emissions in 2000.  This contribution has declined significantly in recent years as a result of various policy measures and further reductions are expected up until 2010 and beyond.*

 

*Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (this is an external hyperlink), Part IV of the Environment Act 1995 Local Air Quality Management - Technical Guidance LAQM. TG(03), Crown copyright 2003.

 

** Department of the Environment, Transport and the regions, Air Pollution - what it means for your health, Crown copyright 1998.

 

For further information regarding the air quality review process or any other pollution matter such as bonfire smoke, dust, fumes, odours and noise, please do not hesitate to contact Regulatory Services on Tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail regulatory@fareham.gov.uk.