📢 Call on mayoral candidates to take notice of our dirty air

THE SECRET'S OUT

Greater Manchester is one of the most polluted places in the UK. Levels of nitrogen dioxide are reported higher here than anywhere else in the country, and well over the UK legal limit [1].

Nitrogen dioxide is a gas that is harmful to human health. A major source in our cities is petrol and diesel engines. Along with other pollutants, nitrogen dioxide affects lung function – especially in the old and young – and particularly impacts those with existing conditions such as asthma.

GET THE FACTS

Greater Manchester has higher than average admission rates for childhood asthma, with asthma-related hospital admissions among 0-19 years olds almost twice the national average. [2]
Both Salford and Manchester are in the top 10 local authorities for emergency admissions and death rates for lung conditions. [3]
It’s estimated the equivalent of 1,200 early deaths every year in Greater Manchester can be linked to air pollution exposure. [4]

GREATER MANCHESTER DESERVES BETTER AIR

Before the mayoral elections we asked all of the candidates to act for clean air. The Mayor’s policies and actions have the power to bring about real change. We want to see:

1.

More school streets, to help make the school run safer.

2.

More bus lanes and cycle lanes, to help tackle the worst pollution hotspots.

3.

Expansion of the shared bike hire scheme and installation of on-street bike storage to help more people choose active travel.

4.

Action on wood burning.

We’ll be working with our local partners to ensure the Mayor takes action so that our air is no longer our dirty secret.

GREATER MANCHESTER AIR POLLUTION MAP

This map shows the recorded levels of nitrogen dioxide across Greater Manchester, with the highest concentrations shown in the darkest colours. It shows that nearly all of us are breathing air that is harmful to our health.