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Air Quality for Wigan Borough is working towards cleaner air for the community.

See what simple changes you can implement, to make a big difference for you, your family and those around you

OWP to Billing Hill

What is air pollution?

The air we breathe is made up of different gases, that are essential for animal and plant survival.

Air quality is the term we use to describe how polluted the air we breathe is. The air becomes polluted when harmful gases are introduced into the environment, causing levels of those gases to be higher than usual.

There are four main types of air pollution:

PM

Extremely small solid particles and liquid droplets in the air.

Particle pollution most commonly comes from motor vehicles, and burning fuels such as wood.

NO2

This highly reactive gas is released into the air by emissions released from motor vehicles, industry, and gas stove tops.

Especially high concentrations can be found near busy roads.

O3

There are two types of Ozone: in the upper atmosphere and at ground level. Ground-level Ozone is most damaging to human health and is the result of the interaction between sunlight and emissions from sources such as motor vehicles.

SO2

A gas normally identifiable by its pungent smell, sulphur dioxide is formed by the burning of fossil fuels at power plants and other industrial facilities. Sulphur dioxide may worsen respiratory illnesses and has been know to exacerbate cardiovascular diseases.

Learn about air pollution in your area

Search around the map of Wigan Borough to find out air pollution levels and how your actions can change them, facts and history across the community, and some places to visit.

Below is a map of Wigan Town Centre, Abram and Leigh. On the map are some markers that when clicked will load up some information about the area along with some data. Use the arrows to move to different markers

Map of Wigan Borough
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  • O3 (Ozone) - Icons for a factory and a car
  • NO2 (Nitric Oxide) - Icons for a car and a motorcycle
  • PM10 (Particulates) - Icons for a digger, crops and waste material
  • PM2.5 (Particulates) - Icons for fuel and fire

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Caring for your Community

Reducing pollution is important to ensure everyone across the Borough has clean air to breathe, keeping our friends, families and neighbours safe.

Together we can work together to make a difference.

How does air pollution impact me?

Learn about the dangers and effects of air pollution to you, your family and community.

How can I help to reduce air pollution?

There are lots of small changes you can make in your daily routine, that will go a long way in supporting your community.

Your Community.

Your Contribution.

Your Future.

References

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