Air pollution

FACT: According to the The World Health Organisation, 2.4 million people per year die from causes that can directly be attributable to air pollution.

This is why testing and monitoring the air that we breathe is crucial for human health and for the environment.

There are many types of airborne pollutants from a variety of sources and the global design is to significantly reduce the emissions of harmful gases and pollutants into the atmosphere. Major sources of concern include:

• Sulphur oxides (fossil fuels, petrol)
• Carbon monoxide (natural gas, fossil fuels, car exhausts)
• Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
• Carbon dioxide (combustion, cement production)
• Volatile organic compounds (paints, coatings)
• Toxic metals (lead, cadmium and copper)
• Particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5 and PM1)
• Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
• Ammonia (agriculture, fertilisers)
• Odours (rubbish, sewage, industry)

Why is it necessary to check air pollution levels?

Moderate air pollution levels and exposure to them are unlikely to have any serious short term effects.

But if the levels are excessive, you are exposed to the effects on a long term basis. Then there can be serious health implications. Effects of exposure affect the respiratory and inflammatory systems, and in extreme cases, can also lead to heart disease and cancer.

The penalties for businesses, agriculture and industry if they are found guilty of air pollution are very severe, with unlimited fines and in some cases, custodial sentences.

Precautions Against Pollution

The Environmental Testing Company can carry out extensive air sampling surveys to assess the quality of the air and check that it complies with all relevant Directives and legislation for air pollution.

Contact us to help uncover your air quality problems, whether you are the cause or the casualty.