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Air quality

Outdoor air pollution affects the health of everyone.

Air pollution is produced by people from things like transport, factories, farming, energy making and heating our homes. It is also produced naturally by things like sand and volcanic eruptions.

Air pollution can harm health, especially for children and young people, older people and those who already have health problems such as asthma.

Our role

Public Health Wales works with other partners and agencies to help reduce air pollution, and the health harms and inequalities linked to air pollution. 

Our role is varied. It ranges from preparation for, and helping to respond to, air pollution incidents such as fires, to prevention work such as planning and community design, and encouraging more walking, cycling and use of public transport. We also publish research and comment on policy and legislation relating to evidence-based action. Improving the air we breathe is a priority. We have created guidance which explains how we are working with our wider NHS partners to reduce air pollution, and the health harms and inequalities linked to it.

Health risks of air pollution exposure

Air pollution affects people in different ways. The health risks and impacts change over a lifetime too. Children, older people and those who already have health problems are more likely to be harmed by breathing in polluted air.

Breathing in air pollution over a very long time can cause harm health and affect the quality of our lives. This is mainly because it can harm our lungs and heart. Research also suggests that other health harms can be linked to air pollution, including low birth weight and dementia. Shorter-term exposure (hours or days) may cause eye, nose and throat irritations. The health effects depend on how much air pollution people are exposed to and for how long.

What can I do to reduce air pollution and my exposure to it?

Here are some simple ways you can reduce how much air pollution you produce:

  • Leave the car at home. Walk, cycle, wheel or use the bus or train. This not only reduces the amount of air pollution we make but can help us get some exercise. It is also great for our mental health and wellbeing.
  • Work smarter. Suggest car sharing with colleagues or use a Park and Ride service for part of your journey to reduce the number of vehicles on the road. Rather than travel to meetings why not try a video/phone call instead.
  • School run. Talk to other parents at your child’s school about a walking bus or car sharing options.
  • Only use an approved solid fuel burning appliance. If you heat your home with a solid fuel burning appliance such as a wood burner, consider:
    • Using cleaner fuels.
    • A newer, cleaner appliance which is installed by a qualified person.
    • How to use it most efficiently and safely.
    • Making sure that chimneys are regularly swept, and you have a working carbon monoxide alarm.
    • Check local guidance for further information on smoke control areas.
  • Avoid open fires. Instead of burning garden waste, try composting instead.
  • Improve the energy efficiency of your home or business. We can do lots of simple things to reduce our energy use – for example:
    • Switch off lights when they are not needed.
    • Avoid leaving televisions on standby.
    • Boil the kettle with the amount of water needed.
    • Run the washing machine or dishwasher only when they are fully loaded.
  • Choose your electricity supplier carefully. Making sure your electricity supplier uses renewable energy helps to reduce the pollution created by power generation.

Research and guidance

The research below is set in Wales. It shows that people living in the most deprived parts of Wales may have higher levels of air pollution and may be more vulnerable compared with those who live in least deprived areas.

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