 A new system of assessing air quality was introduced by The Environment Act 1995. The Government has produced a National Air Quality Strategy and set objectives for seven pollutants:
- benzene
- 1.3-butadiene
- lead
- carbon monoxide
- nitrogen dioxide
- fine particles (PM10)
- sulphur dioxide
Local Authorities have a duty to review and assess the levels of these pollutants in their areas, and predict whether national action is sufficient to bring about compliance with the objectives.
Where a failure is envisaged, the area concerned is to be declared an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA).
Link to LAQM
Link to Industrial Air Pollution
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