How does the air become polluted?

Pollutants are released into the air when we burn fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, natural gas, petrol or diesel. This happens when we use energy supplies to do simple everyday activities, such as cooking or washing at home.

But the biggest source of air pollution in Tower Hamlets is traffic. The pollutants come from the exhaust pipes of cars, lorries and other vehicles which run on petrol or diesel.

What do pollutants look like?

Most pollutants are much too small to see without a microscope, but they still get into our lungs and affect our health.

What are the pollutants?

There are seven main pollutants in the air that you breathe. These are nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), particulates (mainly PM₁₀), carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), ozone (O₃), benzene and lead.

The worst pollutants in Tower Hamlets are …

Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂)

You can see the effect of NO₂ on a hot day in summer, when it combines with other chemicals to make the sky in Tower Hamlets look heavy and brownish grey.

Nitrogen dioxide also contributes to acid rain, which damages trees and the stone on buildings.

Particulates (PM₁₀)

Particulates are tiny particles of dust and soot that are released into the air. When you breathe them in, they settle in the lower parts of your lungs.

There are natural sources of particulates, too, such as dust, soil and pollen. However, in London, the largest source of PM₁₀ is road traffic. Lorries and diesel vehicles produce the most particulates in cities.

Read more to find out the effects that air pollution can have on your health.