Air Quality
Introduction
Local authorities have a duty to monitor the air quality in their district under the Environment Act 1995, because poor air quality has the potential to adversely affect public health.
The council is required under this law to carry out regular reviews and assessments of air quality in North Hertfordshire against standards and objectives set out by the National Air Quality Strategy 
.
If it is found that the standards and objectives are unlikely to be met in a particular location, the council must declare that location an Air Quality Management Area. An action plan would then be planned and implemented to tackle the problem.
In North Hertfordshire we have not declared any Air Quality Management Areas.
What do we do?
The Environmental Protection team monitors Nitrogen Dioxide at 37 sites across the district.
The council also maintains 2 Air Quality Monitoring Stations, one currently located in Baldock Town Hall and the other near Hitchin Library roundabout. Both monitoring stations continuously measure levels of Nitrogen Dioxide and the one in Hitchin also measures particles in the air known as PM10.
The main source of air pollution in North Hertfordshire is from traffic. Objectives set out in the Air Quality Regulations 2000 identify a level of pollutants for which there would be no, or extremely low, risk to health. North Herfordshire District Council monitors against these objectives and if exceeded more detailed monitoring action would be required by the council which may highlight actions to be taken to improve the air quality.
Generally if you are in a good state of health, moderate air pollution levels are unlikely to have any serious short term effects. However, elevated levels and/or long term exposure to air pollution can lead to more serious symptoms and conditions affecting human health. This mainly affects the respiratory and inflammatory systems, but can also lead to more serious conditions such as heart disease and cancer. People with lung or heart conditions may be more susceptible to the effects of air pollution.
The following reports have been produced as part of the council's duty to review air quality within its district since 2009.
2009-Updated Screening and Assessment Report (1.69MB) 
2010-Detailed Assessment Report (3.62MB)
2011-Detailed Assessment report (5.50MB)
Arrangements can be made to view older reports by contacting the Environmental Protection Team
Although North Hertfordshire does not have a large industrial base which affects air quality, Regulation of Industrial Processes contain all the activities that require regulation by the council.
Where can I find out more?
North Hertfordshire District Council participates in the Herts & Beds Air Pollution Monitoring Network. Together with AQDM and Envitech Europe, the Network maintains a website which provides residents of the two counties with comprehensive information concerning the quality of air in the region.
By visiting hertsbedsair.net you can access current pollution levels.
Contact Details
Details of how to contact the team can be found on the Housing & Public Protection contact page.
