Wales' most polluted street

A street in Caerphilly was named the UK's most polluted street outside of central London in 2016. Residents of Hafodyrynys Road reported breathing difficulties as a result of the heavy traffic thundering past their homes on a daily basis.

More recently, Caerphilly council have bought the houses from owners and started demolition work. Martin Brown, who lived on the street for 50 years, said his wife is "crying her eyes out", while he is just "happy it's finally happening". Hafodyrynys Road is a cautionary tale of how pollution can affect both your physical and mental wellbeing.

How bad is air pollution in Wales?

Wales experiences some of the United Kingdom’s poorest air quality, and air pollution presents the nation-state’s biggest environmental risk to public health. The health impacts of air pollution exposure within the country are estimated to contribute 1,400 premature deaths per year.

The main pollutants of concern in Wales are particulate matter (PM2.5 or PM10) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), both of which can cause a range of health impacts. Short term health effects can include irritation of eyes, nose and throat, aggravation of existing respiratory diseases such as asthma, headaches, and nausea. Long term exposure furthermore increases risk of cardiovascular and respiratory disease, and cancer.

Source: Wales Air Quality Index (AQI) and United Kingdom Air Pollution | IQAir