Air quality in Southampton

Air pollution can have a significant effect on health and the environment, and because of high levels of emissions, Southampton City Council is taking steps to improve local air quality.

Major sources of air pollution in the city are road transport (especially heavy goods vehicles) and industrial emissions associated with Southampton Port. In this section we look at proactive action that you can take to protect yourself against poor air quality.

Read more details about air quality in Southampton.

Ways to stay healthy

Although current levels of air pollution continue to have a significant effect on health, there are many things that people can do to protect themselves when pollution levels are high:

• Walk or cycle because on an average day, that will expose you to lower levels of pollution than if you use a car.
• Air alert – sign up to our air monitoring system for free, to receive text or email messages when air pollution is at higher levels.

On days when there are high levels of air pollution in the city:

• Reduce strenuous physical exertion, particularly outside if you have problems with your heart or lungs, and especially if you experience any symptoms.
• People with asthma may find they need to use their reliever inhaler more often.
• Also older people should reduce physical exertion on these days.