The picture below was taken in London in 1952 in the middle of the day during a smog event that lasted four days. During this time 4000 people died and much of London came to a standstill. These are scenes that we do not want to see again and that is why the management of our air quality has become so important.
The seven air pollutants below were identified as having the potential to cause harm to human health. The Air Quality Regulations 2000 gives local authorities the responsibility to assess and manage air quality with respect to these pollutants in their jurisdiction.
| Pollutant |
Health Impact at Very High Levels |
| Nitrogen dioxide, Sulphur dioxide |
These gases irritate the airways of the lungs, increasing the symptoms of those suffering from lung diseases. |
| Particulates (or PM10’s) |
Fine particles can be carried deep into the lungs where they can cause inflammation and a worsening of the condition of people with heart and lung diseases. |
| Carbon monoxide |
This gas prevents the normal transport of oxygen by the blood. This can lead to a significant reduction in the supply of oxygen to the heart, particularly in people suffering from heart disease. |
| Lead |
Toxic, affecting blood, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, joints and reproductive system, and acute or chronic damage to the nervous system. May affect intellectual development of children. |
| Benzene and 1,3-Butadiene |
Carcinogenic (cancer causing compounds) |
With these pollutants in mind standards for each one were set out that the local authority must ensure are met as per the Air Quality Regulations 2000. Below is a table that outlines the Air Quality Standards for the remaining seven pollutants that local authorities must ensure are met under the Air Quality Regulations 2000.
| Pollutant |
Air Quality Standard |
Measured as |
| Particulates |
50 µg/m³ not to be exceeded more than 35 times a year
40 µg/m³ |
24 hour mean
Annual Mean |
| Nitrogen Dioxide |
200 µg/m³ not to be exceeded more than 18 times a year
40 µg/m³ |
1 hour mean
Annual Mean |
| Sulphur Dioxide |
350 µg/m³ not to be exceeded more than 24 times a year
125 µg/m³ not to be exceeded more than 3 times a year
266 µg/m³ not to be exceeded more than 35 times a year |
1 hour mean
24 hour mean
15 minute mean |
| Carbon monoxide |
0 µg/ m³ |
Running 8 hour mean |
| Benzene |
16.25 µg/m³
5 µg/m³ |
Running annual mean
Annual mean |
| 1,3 Butadiene |
2.25 µg/m³ |
Running annual mean |
| Lead |
0.5 µg/m³
0.25 µg/m³ |
Annual mean
Annual mean |
Air Quality Review
In this section you will find the Air Quality Review 2000, the Updating and Screening Assessment 2003, the Detailed Assessment for 2004, the 2005 Progress Report, our 2006 Updating and Screening Assessment and the 2007 Detailed Assessment.
Air Quality Review 2000
The 2000 Air Quality Review found that there were no locations in Castle Morpeth likely to exceed the air quality standards set for:
1. Carbon Monoxide
2. Benzene
3. 1, 3 Butadiene
4. Lead
5. Nitrogen Dioxide
However for both Fine Particulate Matter and Sulphur Dioxide the picture was less clear and it was decided that further monitoring would be prudent.
Monitoring of these pollutants is undertaken using three real time monitors; the first is a Particulate monitor known as a Beta Attenuation Monitor or BAM, the second a GT640 (Nephlometer) also measures particulates along with wind speed and direction that helps determine where the particulates may originate, and the third measures Sulphur Dioxide. A copy of this document is available to download from this page.
Updating and Screening Assessment 2003
In 2003 Castle Morpeth produced an Updating and Screening Assessment. The results from this work indicated that within Castle Morpeth the air quality standards set were unlikely to be breached for:
1. Carbon Monoxide
2. Benzene
3. 1,3 Butadiene
4. Lead
However due to a forecasted increase of traffic on some roads and the expected increase of passengers to 5 million per annum at Newcastle International Airport it was decided to proceed to a Detailed Assessment for Nitrogen Dioxide along with PM10s and Sulphur Dioxide. At present oxides of Nitrogen or NOx are monitored using 5 NOx tubes within the borough (4 in Morpeth and 1 in Ponteland). The NOx tubes measure roadside emissions.
Detailed Assessment 2004
In 2004 Castle Morpeth Borough Council proceeded to a Detailed Assessment for Nitrogen Dioxide, Sulphur Dioxide and Fine Particulate Matter. Following this report the Council determined that
1. The air quality standard for Nitrogen Dioxide was unlikely to be breached and this was confirmed by NOx tube monitoring and work carried out using Highways Agency. Model from its Design Manual for Roads and bridges.
2. There would be no likely breach of the air quality standard for Sulphur Dioxide caused by domestic solid fuel burning.
3. There would be no breach of the air quality standard for Sulphur Dioxide or as a result of operations at the Alcan UK Power and Smelting Complex as demonstrated by monitored data.
4. Further monitoring of Fine Particulate Matter in the area could be prudent with regards to open casting but did not predict of the air quality standard would be breached as a result of road traffic or domestic solid fuel burning
Progress Report 2005
In 2005 Castle Morpeth Borough Council was required to undertake a Progress Report that is intended to highlight any developments in air quality. Following the report it was determined that while there were exceedences of the objectives, there was no breach of the National Air Quality Standard and there was an improvement in air quality.
Updating and Screening Assessment 2006
Castle Morpeth Borough Council has completed its Updating and Screening Assessment for 2006 and can again report excellent air quality. All conclusions in the report have been accepted by DEFRA. We will now proceed to a Detailed Assessment in 2007 with regard to Nitrogen Dioxide and Newcastle International Airport having over 5 million passengers per annum.
Should you wish to view the Appendices of the document please contact the Environmental Protection Unit and they will be provided to you on a CD.
Detailed Assessment 2007
Castle Morpeth Borough Council carried out the Detailed Assessment of Nitrogen Dioxide in 2007 in relation to Newcastle International Airport Ltd. The report concluded that while there were hotspots within Newcastle International Airport Ltd as you move away levels drop off rapidly and the air quality standard would not be breached within Castle Morpeth. All findings were accepted by DEFRA. The next round of review and assessment in 2008 will be the production of a Progress Report.
Should you wish to view the Appendices of the document please contact the Environmental Protection Unit and they will be provided to you on a CD.
All documents can be viewed using the links above.
Page Date 29/08/08