Air pollution advice
Air pollution in Manchester has improved significantly in recent decades and even in the last few years, but there are still some areas where local action is needed. Greater Manchester has plans to clean up air pollution on local roads with the proposed Clean Air Plan.
We want to help you understand more about air pollution and who is most at risk. There’s also information about the local free air quality forecast service, providing updates on days that outdoor pollution levels are expected to be particularly high.
What is air pollution?
Air pollution describes anything in the air that could harm a person's health. This can include harmful gases and fine particulate matter (very tiny particles that can be breathed in).
Where does air pollution come from?
In Manchester, most of the pollution in the air comes from road traffic and domestic burning (wood burning stoves, for example). Domestic burning also causes air pollution inside the home, as do things like smoking, damp and mould, and not using an extractor fan or opening a window when you cook or shower.
Who is most affected by air pollution?
Air pollution can affect anyone, but it's worse for people with lung or heart problems, like asthma or high blood pressure. Children (including during pregnancy) and older people are also at higher risk.
If you’re exposed to high levels of air pollution, you may quickly experience symptoms such as feeling out of breath, a sore throat, or coughing. If these symptoms happen often, you should contact your doctor.
How can I protect myself from air pollution?
Here are some simple things you can do:
When outdoors:
- Get free air pollution updates at Forecast and alerts | Clean Air Greater Manchester (cleanairgm.com)
- Try to go to work slightly earlier or later to miss the busiest traffic times
- Avoid busy roads and walk away from the traffic. If air pollution levels are high and you have a lung or heart problem, don't exercise outside
When indoors:
- If you live close to a busy road, open windows at the back of your home
- Do not smoke (e.g. cigarettes or shisha) or allow smoking inside your home, especially around children
- Fix dampness and mould in your home (further information is available on our Dampness and leaks page)
- If you can, use central heating instead of burning wood or coal (further information on support is available on our Cost of living advice line page)
- When you're cooking or showering, always use an extractor fan or open a window
- Avoid burning candles or incense and consider using cleaning creams rather than sprays
Further information
- Further reading about air quality, including what the council is doing: Air quality | Air quality | Manchester City Council
- Guidance on managing damp and mould in the home: Keep free from damp and mould | Dampness and leaks | Manchester City Council
- If you are struggling financially with increasing costs of energy bills, help is available: Cost of living advice line | Cost of living advice line | Manchester City Council
- Air pollution advice from Clean Air Greater Manchester: Air pollution and you | Clean Air Greater Manchester (cleanairgm.com)
- Clean air information from Global Action Plan Clean Air Hub | Global Action Plan
- Greater Manchester Burn Better provide information and advice to better your health, wallet, and the environment