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The forecasts show maps of the health effects in different parts of Croydon of pollution by Nitrogen Dioxide, Ozone and PM10 Particles and for their combined effects. These are the main pollutants in London's urban environment. In other cities Sulphur Dioxide and Carbon Monoxide are major pollutants, but amounts of these found in Croydon and London generally are usually very low.
Air pollution affects different people in different ways. Its effects can be complex and subtle. To help people understand the effects of air pollution on health, the UK Department of Health provides an index system showing the effects of different levels of air pollution on health. The index was developed by the Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollution, COMEAP.
The table below shows how different levels of pollution are thought to affect health, using the COMEAP index system.
Band |
Index |
Ozone, ug/m3 |
Nitrogen dioxide, ug/m3 |
PM10 Particles |
Description of health effects |
Low |
1 |
0-32 |
0-95 |
0-16 |
Effects are unlikely to be noticed even by individuals who know they are sensitive to air pollutants |
2 |
33-66 |
96-190 |
17-32 |
3 |
67-99 |
191-286 |
33-49 |
Moderate |
4 |
100-126 |
287-381 |
50-57 |
Mild effects, unlikely to require action, may be noticed amongst sensitive individuals. |
5 |
127-152 |
382-476 |
58-66 |
6 |
153-179 |
478-572 |
67-74 |
High |
7 |
180-239 |
573-635 |
75-82 |
Significant effects may be noticed by sensitive individuals and action to avoid or reduce these effects may be needed (e.g. reducing exposure by spending less time in polluted areas outdoors). Asthmatics will find that their 'reliever' inhaler is likely to reverse the effects on the lung. |
8 |
240-299 |
636-700 |
83-91 |
9 |
300-359 |
701-763 |
92-99 |
Very
High |
10 |
360 or more |
764 or more |
100 or more |
The effects on sensitive individuals described for 'High' levels of pollution may worsen. |
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