Air quality in rural areas 'the best since 1987'

The air quality in rural parts of the UK has been shown to be at its best level since 1987.

According to air monitoring results published today (April 28th 2011) by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the number of days where pollution was moderate or higher in 2010 stood at 22.

This was the lowest seen in 24 years, although chiefs at the organisation suggested it was difficult to predict whether this trend would continue or not.

Urban areas also saw an improvement last year, as there were eight pollution days, which was down from ten in 2009.

Results were based on particulate matter and ozone pollution, which are deemed to be the most detrimental to the health of the population.

Despite these figures, Defra was forced to issue a smog warning last week due to the high pressure being experienced around the UK, as pollution levels increased over the Easter weekend.

Posted by Lauren Steadman