Clean air is important for our good health and wellbeing. In Scotland we generally have good and improving air quality however there are numerous localised air pollution hotspots identified in our towns and cities across Scotland.
Breathe Scotland is the cleaner air initiative and aims to raise awareness of air pollution and its impacts on public health in a balanced and factual manner.
As an initiative led by Environmental Protection Scotland we bring together key stakeholders to encourage behaviour that helps cut air pollution and our exposure to it.
We will be bringing you more information in the coming months but if you would like further information on the initiative please contact admin@ep-scotland.org.uk.
In the meantime there are steps we can all take to help improve Scotland’s air quality:
- Use public transport as far as possible.
- Walk or cycle short distances.
- Car share.
- If using your car, switch off you engine when parked. Local Authorities have the power to impose £60 Fixed Penalty Notices if you are idling your engine.
- Care for your vehicle. Regular servicing will help reduce emissions.
- Drive efficiently.
- Purchase low emission vehicles (LEVs), for example electric or hybrid vehicles, when buying new cars.
- Travel off-peak to avoid congestion.
- Insulate your home to increase energy and heat efficiency (grants may be available).
For healthy people, exposure to moderate levels of pollution is unlikely to have any serious short-term effects. However we can all take steps to protect ourselves:
- Check current air quality levels
- Be aware of high pollution days by registering with the Know & Respond service
. This is a free system and will send registered users an alert by e-mail, voicemail or SMS if air pollution the following day in your area is forecast to be moderate, high or very high. - Avoid busy main streets and use quieter side streets (if available) when walking or cycling
- Avoid busy roads when exercising outside
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