Air Pollution

1. Air Quality Remains a Problem in Sheffield

Sheffield declared a city-wide Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) in 2010 due to Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) and Particulate Matter (PM10) levels exceeding legal limits.

2023 data still shows breaches of NO₂ limits, particularly near busy roads.

Traffic is the biggest source of NO₂ and fine particulate pollution in Sheffield.

2. NO₂ Levels – Still Exceeding Legal Limits on Key Roads

The A630 – A57 Parkway from M1 Junction 33 to the City Centre continues to be a “corridor” of concern, flagged by the Government’s National Air Quality Plan as still breaching legal NO₂ limits.

This corridor directly impacts S13: Retford Road, Beaver Hill Road, and Handsworth Road all feed into or near this stretch.

Quote from the Report:

“Defra’s NAQP suggests potential breaches of the 40µg/m³ limit on the A630 – A57 Parkway (from M1 J33 to City Centre)...”

3. Traffic Is the Dominant Polluter

Main pollutant sources:

• Road transport (especially diesel vehicles)
• Domestic heating and industrial emissions to a lesser degree
• Even after implementing a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) in 2023, the council notes:
• It is “too early to determine the full impact” of the CAZ
• 2023 NO₂ levels remain above the legal limit in several locations
• Some sites still exceed the annual legal threshold of 40µg/m³

4. Particulate Matter (PM10 & PM2.5) – Currently Compliant, But Fragile

While current PM10 and PM2.5 levels are below legal limits, the report warns:

• There is no “safe” level of fine particulates
• Low wind or construction activity can cause sudden spikes
• Pollution increased in 2022, showing how sensitive the system is to small changes

4. Health Impacts Noted

The report repeatedly mentions the severe health impacts of long-term exposure to air pollution, especially for:

• Children
• The elderly
• Those with respiratory or heart conditions

Air pollution contributes to:

• Asthma
• Lung disease
• Cardiovascular problems
• Premature death (29,000 to 43,000 UK deaths per year)