Air quality

The term 'air quality' is used to explain the quality of outdoor air you breathe and the levels of pollution in that air.

Current air pollution levels in Barnsley

Pollution Control monitor outdoor air levels at a number of sites around Barnsley. 

High air pollution levels can affect people sensitive to air pollution. 

You can find out the latest air pollution levels in Barnsley.

Find out how different levels of air pollution can have health effects.  Find out what action you can take to reduce or avoid them. 

Use wood to heat your home?

The government and the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps have produced leaflets helping you to best use your wood burning stove. This can save you fuel and money, improve air quality and staying within law.

Read the government advice about open fires and wood burning stoves.

You can download a copy of the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps leaflet.

Air quality management

We have a duty to monitor and improve air quality, mainly in areas of poor air quality. Poorer air quality tends to occur near to busy, congested roads where traffic emissions cause air pollution.  Also pollution from other sources needs to be checked as well. These areas of poorer air quality are called air quality management areas. We have an air quality action plan which aims to improve air quality within Barnsley's air quality management areas (AQMAs).

Find out  current air quality management areas in Barnsley.

You can download a copy of our air quality and emissions planning guidance.

We are a member of the ECO Stars fleet recognition scheme. You can find out more on the ECO Stars website.

Air quality reports

Annual reports are produced on air quality in the borough. You can read the reports below.

More information

South Yorkshire Clean Air Campaign

If you would like more information on our current and past air quality and what we are doing to improve the quality of the air we breathe please contact us.