![photo of Manchester from the air with haze over the city](http://cdn.friendsoftheearth.uk/sites/default/files/styles/media_with_text_image/public/Machester.jpg?itok=leZm0dhj)
Why we need cleaner air
![photo of Manchester from the air with haze over the city](http://cdn.friendsoftheearth.uk/sites/default/files/styles/media_with_text_image/public/Machester.jpg?itok=leZm0dhj)
Air pollution facts and figures
1,737
schools in areas double World Health Organisation guidelines for nitrogen dioxide or PM2.5, or both
305,000
more electric vehicles were registered in the UK, compared to last year
£20 billion
how much air pollution costs the UK economy every year
![photo of cars, pedestrian and cyclists at night](http://cdn.friendsoftheearth.uk/sites/default/files/styles/media_with_text_image/public/RS21931_CFNN29-scr.jpg?itok=vEE3WYfy)
What causes air pollution?
![photo of cars, pedestrian and cyclists at night](http://cdn.friendsoftheearth.uk/sites/default/files/styles/media_with_text_image/public/RS21931_CFNN29-scr.jpg?itok=vEE3WYfy)
What are the types of air pollution?
We’re most concerned about three types of air pollutant that cause environmental and health problems:
![illustration of particulate matter](http://cdn.friendsoftheearth.uk/sites/default/files/inline-images/CleanAir_TypesOfPollution_PMs_0.png)
Particulate matter (PMs). The most dangerous tiny particles of air pollution worsen heart and lung disease.
![illustration of nitrogen dioxide structure](http://cdn.friendsoftheearth.uk/sites/default/files/inline-images/CleanAir_TypesOfPollution_NO2_0.png)
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2). High levels of NO2 can cause a flare-up of asthma or symptoms such as coughing and difficulty breathing.
![illustration of ozone structure](http://cdn.friendsoftheearth.uk/sites/default/files/inline-images/CleanAir_TypesOfPollution_O3updated_1.png)
Ground level ozone (O3). Ground level ozone can irritates the eyes, nose and throat.
Air pollution hotspots in England and Wales
Enter your postcode in the box on the map to see what’s going on in your area.
If you’re keen to work on improving air pollution where you live, see if there’s a group you can join in your area.
![School child](http://cdn.friendsoftheearth.uk/sites/default/files/styles/media_with_text_image/public/media/images/Cuute%20child%20-%20card%201.jpg?itok=f2kF9DRL)
Air pollution and children
![School child](http://cdn.friendsoftheearth.uk/sites/default/files/styles/media_with_text_image/public/media/images/Cuute%20child%20-%20card%201.jpg?itok=f2kF9DRL)
![Male cyclist wearing helmet in street putting on anti-pollution mask .](http://cdn.friendsoftheearth.uk/sites/default/files/styles/media_with_text_image/public/RS21427_iStock_000082859599_XXXLarge-scr.jpg?itok=DCGGMIk2)
Action on air pollution
![Male cyclist wearing helmet in street putting on anti-pollution mask .](http://cdn.friendsoftheearth.uk/sites/default/files/styles/media_with_text_image/public/RS21427_iStock_000082859599_XXXLarge-scr.jpg?itok=DCGGMIk2)
![Sun beating down](http://cdn.friendsoftheearth.uk/sites/default/files/styles/media_with_text_image/public/media/images/sun.jpg?itok=6s4ci7qK)
What does the heat do to air quality?
![Sun beating down](http://cdn.friendsoftheearth.uk/sites/default/files/styles/media_with_text_image/public/media/images/sun.jpg?itok=6s4ci7qK)