Air quality

What is air quality?

Air pollution can be defined as 'contaminant or pollutant substances in the air at a concentration that interferes with human health or welfare or produces other harmful environmental effects'

Most outdoor air pollution in urban areas is man-made, and is predominantly a result of:

• transport, particularly road traffic
• industrial and commercial sources
• domestic sources
• energy generation
• background and trans-boundary pollution (unavoidably brought into the area via weather systems)

Air quality is a priority for Chorley Council as it is an important factor in preserving and improving health and wellbeing and reducing harm to health and the environment. As a council we are delivering a range of environmental and biodiversity-enhancing measures to promote clean air, reduce carbon emissions and enable more sustainable ways of travel.

Our approach to air quality is outlined in our Clean Air Strategy 2021.

We are trialling a network of automatic Air Quality Monitors across the borough, these measure Nitrogen Dioxide and Particulate Matter. In a joint project with South Ribble Borough Council we are making the data more accessible. As this is a new project, comments are welcome on how useful you find this and how we can improve the accessibility.

Clean air day and clean air night

Clean Air Day is the UK's largest air pollution campaign which takes place in June every year.

The World Health Organisation and UK Government have recognised that air pollution is the largest environmental threat to our health. This campaign focuses on the importance of cleaning our air, not only for the benefits in our physical health and the environment, but it can also protect our brain health.

To find out more visit the clean air hub website