Air quality in North East Lincolnshire goes from strength to strength

The quality of air across the borough is becoming healthier, a recent report has found.

The Annual Status Report (ASR) looks at the output of certain pollutants, such as Nitrous Dioxide, measuring the levels at multiple locations across an area.

In the most recent study, North East Lincolnshire did not exceed the UK limit in any of the 31 monitored locations. Ultimately, this means the air in the borough is becoming healthier.

Now, the report has been accepted by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), showcasing the continuous improvement in the area.

What is air pollution?

Air pollution is when harmful substances get into the air we breathe.

It can make the air dirty and unhealthy, causing problems for people, animals, and the environment. Breathing polluted air can lead to health issues like coughing, asthma, and even heart problems.

How do the Council monitor the airy quality?

Automatic monitoring

The council have 2 real-time monitoring stations, on Peaks Parkway and Cleethorpe Road, that collect data 24/7, 365 days a year, monitoring for the pollutant nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).  These units provide high quality data which is analysed for trends and patterns of pollution as it varies over time.

Diffusion Tube Monitoring

Diffusion tubes absorb the pollutant to be monitored directly from the surrounding air and need no power supply. Known as passive samplers, they are easy to use and relatively inexpensive, so they can be deployed in large numbers over a wide area, giving good spatial coverage.

There are 31 Diffusion Tubes located across the authority monitoring for nitrogen dioxide, the tubes are changed monthly and sent off for analysis.

Councillor Henry Hudson, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Net Zero, said: “This report shows the unwavering efforts of this Council and other organisations to make a healthier borough.

“With clean air comes a more sustainable future and a better lifestyle for residents. Not only does this benefit them, but it also aids in our aim to reach Net Zero.

“This is a really positive sign of how North East Lincolnshire’s environment is improving all the time.”

For more information on air quality in North East Lincolnshire, visit https://www.nelincs.gov.uk/keeping-our-area-clean-and-safe/air-quality/