Air quality refers to the amount of pollutants present in the air we breathe, with the following 6 pollutants being the most abundant and oft-measured:

• PM2.5
• PM10
• Carbon Monoxide
  
• Sulphur Dioxide
  
• Nitrogen Dioxide
• Ground-level Ozone
  

Excess amounts of any of these pollutants can cause coughing and wheezing, asthma attacks, cardiovascular damage and even cancer; and have a much more significant impact on vulnerable people, particularly those with breathing difficulties. As such, it is imperative we aim to reduce the air pollution levels around us.

Measuring air quality is a good place start so we can understand the baseline, and when levels of pollutants become a risk to our health. DEFRA has a pollution forecast map available here, and the met office has a breakdown of the air quality index used in the map available here.

If you wish to purchase your own air quality monitor to get accurate, localised readings for your home or place of worship, then the following article has a good list of recommendations here. For example, if you live or worship in an area that you believe has very high levels of air pollution, you may wish to invest in a monitor as there are legally binding parameters restricting the amount of pollutants in the air (more information on them here). These restrictions typically operate on an annual scale, for example the average annual level of PM10 cannot exceed 40 µg/m3, and the average annual level of PM2.5 cannot exceed 20 µg/m3. Therefore, action will have to be taken to reduce air pollution levels if they are proven to be above the legal limits. The government also offers a free air pollution helpline on 0800 55 66 77.