Local Air Quality Control and Health

This highly accessible book identifies the major air pollutants which cause human health concerns and examines the sources of these pollutants. With a focus on NOx gases, particulate matter (PM), tropospheric ozone, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), Part 1 covers the theory and relates these pollutants to specific health outcomes by examining the nature of anatomical/physiological systems which are affected and the mechanisms by which these effects take place.

Part 2 explores the legal and policy frameworks that govern local air quality management in the UK. It examines the responsibilities and powers of regulators, the role of national and international legislation, and how law and guidance are used to protect public health and improve environmental outcomes. Part 3 outlines the role of environmental health practitioners (EHPs) in dealing with local air quality management for communities before the applications used to control pollution are discussed, both in terms of using the law effectively and technological interventions which can trap air pollution at source.

The book is principally aimed at undergraduate and/or post graduate students in Environmental Health and Public Health and EHPs practising in the field of air quality control. It will also be relevant to students of environmental sciences, health sciences, medicine and environmental law and policy.

Mark Hardwick was a lecturer in environmental health, public health, health sciences, and sports sciences for over 25 years. He was a member of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (MCIEH) and served as Programme Manager for Environmental Health degrees at University Centre Weston, UK. Mark contributed significantly to the development of applied environmental health education and remained committed to public health throughout his career.

Nahum Kidan is a lecturer at University Centre Weston and former senior lecturer at the University of the West of England (UWE). With a background in environmental health, law, and microbiology, he is a qualified environmental health practitioner with experience across all core areas of the discipline. He has held policy roles at the Food Standards Agency and the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs during the Brexit transition period, working at the intersection of science, law, public health and consumer protection regulation.

Nathaniel Smith holds a first-class Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Public and Environmental Health from the University of the West of England and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (MCIEH). He is a seasoned professional in the field of environmental health, with particular expertise in food safety, fire safety, occupational health and safety, and risk communication. He is the founder and principal consultant at Kernow Consult Ltd, an independent Environmental Health consultancy that provides regulatory compliance audits, inspections, and strategic advisory services to a range of clients across the Southwest of England. In addition to his professional practice, Nathaniel contributes to higher education as a qualified trainer, assessor, and associate lecturer at University Centre Weston, where he supports the development of future practitioners in the field of environmental health.

Steve Manning is an Environmental Health Practitioner with 36 years of practice in Public and Private Sector Environmental Protection. He is currently Senior Scientific Officer (Air & Land Quality) at Newport City Council, Chair of the Welsh Air Quality Forum and guest lectures at several universities.