Air pollution

Where does air pollution come from?

Different types of air pollution come from different sources so the mix of pollutants varies across the UK.

Air pollution can travel long distances and can affect areas far away from where it was created. UK pollution levels can even be affected by pollution sources outside the country.

In towns and cities, the main source of air pollution is road transport. Diesel and petrol vehicles create pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter. The friction of brakes and tyres on the road also creates particulate matter. Most diesel vehicles create much higher levels of these pollutants than petrol vehicles.

Other sources of air pollution include:

Events which include bonfires and firework displays, such as bonfire night and Diwali, can result in temporary increases in particulate pollution. Candles and incense are also sources of smoke and particles (WHO guidelines for indoor air pollution).

Inhaling any smoke is harmful, so it’s best to avoid breathing in bonfire smoke or smoke from other sources. Smoke from burning a range of materials can irritate your airways, your skin and eyes. Breathing in the smoke can make you cough or wheeze, feel breathless or produce more phlegm or have pains in your chest. Tiny particles in smoke can also pass deep into the lungs and into your bloodstream increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Our noses are also very sensitive to odours and can detect chemicals in the air in levels which aren’t a risk to health. Some conditions like allergies can make the nose more sensitive. Such odours can be unpleasant and affect wellbeing, causing anxiety. This can lead to symptoms such as nausea, headaches or dizziness.

If you’re concerned about your symptoms after breathing in any smoke, call NHS 111 or get medical advice.

Air pollution can also come from natural sources. In the UK, high pollution levels are sometimes caused by dust that has been blown from the Sahara desert. These Saharan dust episodes can be serious for someone with a lung condition. Other natural sources of air pollution include volcanoes, sea spray, pollen and soil.

Next: Types of air pollution >



Download our air pollution information (434KB, PDF)

Last medically reviewed: April 2017. Due for review: April 2020
