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.

Topic sections

Data
Maps
Apps
Citizen Science Surveys
Resources

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.

Get Learning Air

Data

Scottish Air Quality - What is the air quality like in my area right now? Air pollution level updated hourly across Scotland.

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.