Household combustion devices, motor vehicles, industrial facilities and forest fires are the most common sources of air pollution. It can affect both human health and the environment.

The consequences can include:

• an increase in deaths particularly in the elderly, resulting from a worsening of respiratory or cardio-vascular conditions 
• an increase in hospital referrals for respiratory and cardio-vascular conditions, such as shortness of breath 
• additional pressure on emergency services having to respond to increased referrals  

What you can do:

• follow advice given
• do not undertake strenuous exercise if suffering from breathing difficulties
• seek medical advice if unwell

What is being done in North Yorkshire:

• monitoring of air pollutant levels
• alerting the public if conditions deteriorate
• providing advice to those in affected areas