Winter Smog Summer Smog

We can all help to cut air pollution. Here are some simple hints. These are especially important when pollution levels are high.

On the road Road vehicles are a major source of air pollution in urban areas - they are responsible for over half the nitrogen dioxide emissions and over 75% of carbon monoxide in the UK Avoid using your car for short journeys - 2.5km or less If possible, don't use your car at all during periods of high pollution Start your engine only once you are ready to move off Don't rev the engine unnecessarily Drive smoothly. Heavy braking and rapid acceleration means you use more fuel and increase pollution Keep to the speed limit Maintain your car. Keep the engine properly tuned and the tyres at the right pressure Use public transport whenever you can

DIY Use water-based or low-solvent products - paints, glues, varnishes, wood preservatives, etc.

In the garden Don't light a bonfire when air pollution levels are high Never burn household waste, especially plastics and rubber

Further Information A leaflet 'Air pollution - what it means for your health' is also available from: Defra Publications Admail 6000 London SW1A 2XX Tel: 08459 556000 Fax: 020 8957 5012 Email: defra@iforcegroup.com An information pack on air pollution and health is also available from: Department of Health Publications Centre PO Box 410 Wetherby LS23 7LN or Fax your requests to 01937 845381

Summer Smog

Caused by mixture of pollutants from: road vehicles fuels used to provide electricity and heating in offices, factories and homes vapours from petrol and certain industrial premises Formed by: Action of sunlight on these pollutants forms low-level ozone close to the ground When: On hot sunny days Where does it occur: In urban areas - nitrogen dioxide and particles In rural and suburban areas - mainly ozone and particles

Winter Smog

Caused by mixture of pollutants from: road vehicles fuels used to provide electricity and heating in offices, factories and homes Formed by: Pollutants building up at ground level in urban areas. The 'lid' of cold air above the warm air traps the pollutants When: On cold, calm days, often after a clear, cloudless night and an early-morning frost or mist close to the ground Where does it occur: In urban areas

AIR POLLUTION INFORMATION SERVICE

Up-to-the-minute information at your fingertips:

• Concise easy-to -understand summaries
• Regional forecasts
• Detailed information on individual pollutants
• Based on the latest medical and scientific research
• Health advice

Essential for people whose health is affected by air pollution

CEEFAX: pages 410-417
TELETEXT: page 106
Freephone: 0800 556677