AIR POLLUTION in JERSEY (Near Real-time data)

 
Air Quality monitoring i.e. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) has been carried out by the Health Protection Department in conjunction with the Environment Department since the mid 1990s. Although the proportion of air pollution produced by the Island is small compared to the UK it is still important we act locally to improve pollution globally. The Island has signed up to a number of International Conventions and has responsibilities to reduce levels of air pollution such as nitrogen, sulphur dioxide, volatile organic compounds and heavy metals. The results in report form are available from www.gov.je .
 
Real time monitoring is carried out in the centre of St. Helier outside the Central Market and at Howard Davis Park. The units determine 15 minute averages for particulates (i.e. PM10 are particulates of a mean diameter of 10 microns (1000th of a mm) which are formed during any combustion. They are of concern as they can penetrate deeply into the lungs leading to difficulties breathing) throughout each day. The information is sent via a GSM modem to the Health Protection Department at Le Bas Centre for further analysis.
Osiris 16 Data from the Osiris units is collected once a day and daily average readings for up to 7 days are shown in the graphs below. The European Union Health Limit is 50 µg/m3 as a 24 hour average. The limit can be exceeded 35 times per year and the Health limit is to be achieved by the end of December 2010.
 

Latest 24 hr average PM10 readings from the Howard Davis Park and Market sites, St. Helier

 Note 1) The exceedances at the Market site are partly due to deliveries and refuse collection operations on Halkett Place. Delivery and refuse vehicles have been ask to switch their engines off as far as possible in this area.

         
The following table of Air Pollution Bandings gives an assessment of the impact on health of individuals who are sensitive to Air Pollution.


Air Pollution Bandings: PM10s as a running 24 hour mean and Impact on Human Health
Air Pollution Band PM10 concentration Effects
Low Air Pollution <50 µg/m3 Effects are unlikely to be noticed by individuals who know they are sensitive to air pollutants.
Moderate Air Pollution 50 - 74 µg/m3 Mild effects, unlikely to require action, may be noticed amongst sensitive individuals.
High Air Pollution 75 - 99 µg/m3 Significant effects may be noticed by 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.
Very High Pollution >= 100 µg/m3 The effects on sensitive individuals described for 'High' levels of pollution may worsen.

Latest near real time PM10 readings from the Howard Davis Park and Market sites, St. Helier:-

 

Nitrogen Dioxide measurement at Halkett Place ppb NO2

Real time Nitrogen Dioxide monitoring is carried out at Halkett Place using a chemiluminescant analyser and the data is captured daily by NETCEN (National Environmental Technology Centre).
The air pollution data is reported on each year and these reports are available at www.gov.je.

The States Business plan has required the Environment Department to produce an Air Quality Strategy in consultation with stakeholders.

You can get further information on air pollution in the UK from:
www.airquality.co.uk/archive/index.php

This web page produced in association with:
Environmental Health
Maison Le Pape
The Parade
St Helier
Jersey
JE2 3PU
Tel: 01534 443712
Fax: 01534 445772

Email: jer@ehcnet4.net