Air - Broad general education (Early to fourth level)
Air quality has improved significantly since the 1950s, with dramatic reductions in some pollutants, such as sulphur dioxide.
However, air pollution still damages our health and the environment. It is caused by emissions from industry, transport, energy and agriculture, as well as some household activities, such as heating.
Maps
What is the air quality like in your area?
Scottish Air Quality - What is the air quality like in your area right now? Air pollution level updated hourly across Scotland. You can also use this map to find out where SEPA monitor air quality in Scotland.
Are there pollutants being released in your area by industry?
Scotland's environment map - Use this Scottish Pollutants Release Inventory (SPRI) map to find out more.
Apps
Air Pollution Information System
Monitoring air quality using lichens Lichen can give us a clue about local air quality. Use this app to survey lichen in your area and find out more.
Air Quality in Scotland
Air Quality Scotland keeps you informed about latest and forecast air pollution in your region. Download a free app for iPhone and Android keeping you updated about air pollution in Scotland.
CycleStreets
CycleStreets can help you to plan cycle friendly routes and reduce your impact on air pollution. This app can help you plan cycle friendly routes.
Citizen science surveys
Air Quality Survey
Air Quality Survey In this survey resource from the Royal Geographical Society lichen comparisons are made between contrasting sites in the local area.
OPAL Air Survey
Take part in the OPAL Air Survey and you can find out about air quality near you and help scientists answer important questions about the impacts of air quality across the UK.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Take part in the Lichen and Air Quality Survey. Lichens are highly sensitive to air pollution and are widely used as bioindicators for environmental health.
Resources
Making the case for the environment
Find out more about air quality and the environment in this video from SEPA.
The Greenhouse Effect
What is the greenhouse effect?

Clean air for Scotland
Sources of air pollution – primary and secondary pollutants.

Sources of air pollution
Primary and secondary pollutants.

Pages we suggest
- Our environment
- Map
- Get involved
- Video
Useful external links
- Defra: Air pollution data
- Defra: Air pollution detectives
- London Air: Air pollution maps
- SEPA & Centre for Ecology & Hydrology: Choosing and using citizen science
- TCV: Citizen science - a guide for teachers
- Education Scotland: Citizen science & curriculum for excellence
- Natural History Museum & Biological Records Centre: Guide to citizen science
- North Lanarkshire Council: Learn About Air
- Outdoor Learning Directory