New study reveals York’s air quality improves by 30 per cent during lockdown
Posted on 24 April 2020
Data from local traffic monitoring sites was used in the research
Dr David Carslaw, from the Department of Chemistry, who is an expert in urban air pollution has analysed data from local traffic monitoring sites as part of an ongoing project. The data was compared against an estimated “business as usual” level.
The analysis shows improvements in air quality (nitrogen dioxide concentrations) of 30 per cent on average across the city.
Significant drop
The most significant drop across the city was a 43 per cent reduction in nitrogen dioxide concentrations in Fishergate. There was a 28 per cent reduction in Fulford Road and a 29 per cent reduction in both Gillygate and Lawrence Street. The lowest drop was recorded in Bootham of 16 per cent.
According to Defra’s clean air strategy 2019 there are a number of deaths a year nationally, and children are suffering life-long health problems, as a result of poor air quality.
Air pollution
Dr David Carslaw said: “There has been widespread coverage of how air pollution has changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The satellite measurements sourced have been especially compelling, showing the before and after situation for many of the world’s cities. We do of course have hundreds of ground-based continuous air pollution monitors across the UK that can also be investigated to better understand the changes in air pollution at a local level.
“This analysis is a first look at some potential changes in air pollution due to COVID-19. As more data becomes available, the robustness of these estimated changes should increase. However, it is already clear that there has been a dramatic and mostly consistent decrease in poor air quality (NOx) across a wide range of sites, including York.”
Invested
Cllr Paula Widdowson, the City of York’s executive member for the environment and climate change, said: “The impact of the Coronavirus lockdown has had a significant impact on air quality in the city. The council has invested in a number of measures in recent years to help improve air quality in York, and we will continue to do so for the benefit of our communities.”
Explore more news
New butterfly species created 200,000 years ago by two species interbreeding
Thursday 18 April 2024
Children in the North at greater risk of entering care
Wednesday 17 April 2024
Boreal forest and tundra regions worst hit over next 500 years of climate change, study shows
Monday 8 April 2024
Researchers developing ultra-sensitive blood test with potential to revolutionise diagnosis of Alzheimer’s
Thursday 4 April 2024
Attitudes to being an adult are shifting as traditional milestones become out of reach, new study finds
Wednesday 27 March 2024
Media enquiries
Our response to the coronavirus pandemic
We're working with partners in York and further afield as part of a global effort to fight the COVID-19 virus. From covid analysis in the labs to producing face shields for the frontline, we're using our knowledge and expertise to support the effort.