Guidance

Health effects of air pollution

Find out how the short term health risks of air pollution are measured, and the effects of air pollution on human health.

• From: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
• Published: 19 December 2025

Documents

Using the Daily Air Quality Index (DAQI)

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Health advice for the Daily Air Quality Index (DAQI)

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Pollutant concentrations for the Daily Air Quality Index (DAQI)

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Details

Air pollution is one of the largest environmental risks to public health in the UK. The effects and risks depend on what’s in the air and how long you breathe it for.

Air pollution is a particular threat to vulnerable groups, including adults and children with lung or heart conditions, and older people.

Published 19 December 2025