Air pollution is associated with a number of health issues. It contributes to the onset of heart disease and cancer. Air pollution particularly affects the vulnerable in society - children and older people, and those with heart and lung conditions.
Report smoke and dust pollution
Report odour problem (bad smells)
We have been monitoring air quality since 2000, targeting areas with significant road traffic congestion near to housing and schools. We currently measure air quality at 47 sites across our borough.
This monitoring has resulted in the declaration of air quality management areas (AQMAs). These are areas where air quality exceeds health based objectives. They are at busy urban road junctions where exhaust fumes from slow moving road vehicles aren’t readily dispersed because of nearby buildings.
There are national health based targets for seven key airborne pollutants.
The levels of these pollutants in our borough have been monitored or modelled.
Pollutant | Measured Parameter | Objective |
|---|---|---|
Benzene | Running annual mean | Yes |
Annual average | Yes | |
1,3-butadiene | Running annual mean | Yes |
Carbon monoxide | Max daily running 8hr mean | Yes |
Lead | Annual mean | Yes |
Annual mean | Yes | |
Nitrogen dioxide | 1-hour mean | Yes |
Annual mean | No - Not at 4 Air Quality Management Areas | |
Sulphur dioxide | 1-hour mean | Yes |
24-hour mean | Yes | |
15-minute mean | Yes | |
Particulates (PM10) | 24-hour mean | Yes |
Annual mean | Yes |
Annual status report
We review air quality annually and submit an air quality status report to Defra.
If you are using the information report in connection with a planning application please be aware of the planning advisory note: air quality.
Air Quality Annual Status Reports
- Air Quality Annual Status report 2022
- Air Quality Annual Status report 2021
- Air Quality Annual status report 2020
- Air Quality Annual status report 2019
- Air Quality Annual status report 2018
Air Quality Management Areas
These areas failed to meet the national health based annual target for nitrogen dioxide, mainly because of road vehicle exhaust emissions. Nitrogen dioxide causes irritation and inflammation of the lungs.
- AQMA Order No.1 Intack
- AQMA Order No.2 Bastwell
- AQMA Order No.6 Blackamoor
- AQMA Order No.7 Four Lane Ends
We are taking action to improve air quality in these areas. Details are in the latest annual status report.
Orders revoking former Air Quality Management Areas
Air quality management areas were declared in other areas, but the air quality has improved at these locations and so these orders have been revoked.
- 2017 Order Revoking AQMA No.8 Accrington Road
- 2019 Order Revoking AQMA No.3 A666 between Robert Street and Wraith Street
- 2019 Order Revoking AQMA No.4 Witton
- 2019 Order Revoking AQMA No.5 Earcroft
Air quality automatic monitor
We have an automatic monitor at Accrington Road Community Station, Blackburn.
View the automatic monitoring results.