Air quality 'unsafe' in industrial Sheffield

Air quality in some Sheffield neighbourhoods has been found to be more than six times over the world-recommended safe limit, it has been reported by the Star.

Air pollution has been monitored in locations around the industrial city, finding that pollution levels reached 125 on the edge of the city centre, which is over six times the recommended 20 set by the World Health Organization.

Much of the pollution is visible in the area, with a haze hanging over the city in calm, still air. This is preventing many residents who are troubled by cardiovascular conditions from leaving their homes.

Retired steelworker Karamat Hussain told the Star that many of the problems have been caused by the development of the M1, which is a motorway that connects the north of England to London. He said: “I can remember when the M1 was built in the 1960s. The authorities said people in the area would not suffer healthwise but the opposite is true.

“The pollution does not help my wife’s health. We need something to be done for the benefit of youngsters and elderly people in the area.”

Posted by Lauren Steadman