As individuals we all depend on clean air and there is little doubt that polluted air is detrimental to health, especially to the respiratory system. The effects of air pollution can range from slight feelings of discomfort to major breathing difficulties and even death. Individual responses to a given concentration of air pollution are dependant upon a number of factors .  

Age & Health :

Children up to the age of 14, and particularly children under 5 years old, are susceptible as pollutants are quickly absorbed into the body. Also the elderly and those with respiratory ailments are more at risk. Asthma sufferers are especially sensitive and attacks may be triggered by raised pollution levels.

Activity and Exposure to Pollutants :

Individuals exercising, especially close to sources of pollution (e.g. jogging along a main road), may also be at risk from pollution. When exercising increased amounts of inhaled air enters the body and as a result pollutants are inhaled deep into the lungs.

Concentration and Length of Exposure to Pollutants :

Effects of pollution on human health are dependent upon both the duration of exposure and the concentration of the pollutant. In order to protect human health there are different air quality standards and guidelines for differing averaging times.

Where long term exposure to pollutants is significant, air quality guidelines and standards are based on pollution concentrations over long time periods i.e. annually, while those pollutants for which short term exposure is important guidelines and standards are based on between 10 minutes exposure to 24 hours.