Do your bit

Everyone can do their bit to reduce air pollution, especially when pollution levels are high.

Road users
Road vehicles are a major source of many pollutants in urban areas. They produce over 50 per cent of the emissions of nitrogen oxides and over 75 per cent of carbon monoxide emissions in the UK.
Before using your car, ask yourself:

• do I really need to make this journey?
• could I walk or cycle instead of taking the car?
• could I take a bus or a train?
• are the levels of air pollution already too high today? Link to met office website

If you must use a car:

• drive smoothly. You'll save fuel, and your engine will also pollute less;
• don't rev your engine unnecessarily;
• maintain your car. Keep the engine properly tuned and the tyres at the right pressure;
• don't leave your engine running when you are parked or when the car is stationary, such as outside school gates;
• think about car sharing - go shopping with neighbours or take a colleague to work or find out about joining a car sharing club like Hantscarshare http://www.hantscarshare.com/ which has been set up by Hampshire County Council and liftshare

In the home

• Buy water-based or low-solvent paints, varnishes, glues and wood preservatives.
• Avoid burning solid fuels if possible.
• Think about how far the food you buy has travelled, try to choose local produce.
• Avoid lighting bonfires, but if you must, don't light them when pollution levels are high or while the weather is still and cold. Only burn dry material and never burn household waste, especially plastic, rubber, foam or paint. Levels of pollution can be quite high on bonfire night and other events/festivals with bonfires, and sensitive people, including people with respiratory conditions, may notice some effects.