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Air Quality
As in most areas of the UK, the main pollutants of concern in the Blaby District are associated with road traffic especially nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter at locations close to busy, congested roads where people may live or work. The trend for Blaby District is encouraging and air pollutant concentrations experienced an overall decrease in 2023 compared to 2022.
How we measure air quality
Blaby District Council measures nitrogen dioxide at several locations around the district using diffusion tubes, air quality monitoring stations and Zephyrs®. Diffusion tubes are small plastic tubes that sample nitrogen dioxide over a 1-month period before being sent to a laboratory for analysis. There are currently 28 tubes installed across Blaby District.
The Council also has four continuous monitors known as air quality monitoring stations which measure nitrogen dioxide, two of which also measure particulate matter.
Blaby District Council has successfully bid and received Defra air quality grant funds, which have been used to purchase several low-cost monitors called Zephyrs®. There are currently 12 Zephyrs® installed around Blaby District which continually monitor pollutant levels, mainly particulate matter. Live updates can be viewed on the Leicestershire County Council Public Air Quality Portal.
The locations and results for 2023 for all of the monitors can be viewed in the Blaby District Council Annual Status Report. The latest Annual Status Report can be viewed by clicking the link in at the bottom of this page (please see Downloads).
Air quality management areas
The National Air Quality Objective for the average annual concentration of nitrogen dioxide is 40 micrograms per meter cubed / µg/m3. Previous review and assessments have identified areas of concern, known as air quality management areas. Currently there are two designated air quality management areas in the district, both of which were declared in relation to exceedances of the annual mean National Air Quality Objective for nitrogen dioxide.
These are as follows:
• AQMA 6: Mill Hill, Enderby
• AQMA 7: Lubbesthorpe Road, Braunstone Town
Blaby District Council are in the process of writing an air quality action plan to address the exceedances in the air quality management areas and to improve the air quality of the district. The new report is due to be published in 2025 and will replace the existing Air Quality Action Plan 2021-2025 (please see Downloads for the current report).
Blaby District Council is committed to continuing monitoring and managing the air quality throughout the district. Should you like to request further information or make an enquiry, please contact us using the form at the bottom of this page.
The latest monitoring results from Blaby District can be found in the latest Annual Status Report (please see Downloads). Please be aware some of the data requires processing before the results are finalised.
Particulate Matter Project
The Particulate Matter Project is a Defra-funded initiative primarily focused on raising awareness of particulate matter - as an additional benefit the levels of Nitrogen dioxide should also reduce. With the money received, Blaby District Council has installed further equipment to monitor air quality.
Particulate Matter
Particulate Matter is any compound found in the air that is not a gas. Particulate Matter is categorised by size of particle; under 10 µm is referred to as PM10 (includes dust and sea spray) whilst material smaller than 2.5 µm is considered PM2.5 (products of combustion, certain organic compounds, etc.). Particulate Matter originates from various sources, both man-made and natural, with PM2.5 being primarily produced from residential / domestic sources such as log burners and open fires. Particulate Matter has several health implications (mainly respiratory issues) leading to acceptable thresholds being determined by Defra. The UK exposure limits state that PM2.5 levels should not exceed 20 micrograms per metre cubed / µg/m3 as an annual mean.
Reducing exposure
Small changes can make a big difference when it comes to reducing individual exposure to pollutants.
Walking routes away from busy roads will limit contact with pollutants deriving from cars (PM2.5 from brake pads and Nitrogen dioxide from exhaust fumes). Only driving when necessary will reduce pollutant emissions for all.
Closing windows during rush hour or times of high traffic outside your home will reduce the amount of pollutants entering your home. Opening windows in times of low traffic will allow fresh air into your home.
Purchasing fuels with the ‘Ready to Burn’ logo will ensure the fuel you use burns as cleanly as possible. Alternatively, using Defra-advised authorised fuels (please see External Links below) will reduce exposure to particles found in smoke. Not burning waste in log burners, open fires or outdoor fire pits / barbecues will reduce release of harmful chemicals into the surrounding area and wider environment. Some areas in Blaby District are under Smoke Control Orders meaning homes in the designated areas must adhere to regulations regarding smoke emission. For more information about Smoke Control please visit our Smoke Control Order page.
Using fragrance-free, biodegradable and / or plant-based cleaning products and choosing paints / varnishes labelled ‘low VOC’ can improve air quality in your home.