Air pollution can negatively affect health, especially for children, older adults, and people with heart or lung conditions. We monitor and manage air quality to protect residents and meet national standards.
Our industrial heritage
Hartlepool’s industrial past contributed to poor air quality in earlier decades. Many of the old industrial plants have now closed, and environmental regulation has improved significantly.
Today, road traffic emissions are the main concern for public health, and our monitoring efforts focus on these sources.
Air quality objectives
We monitor key pollutants to ensure they remain below national limits:
| Pollutant | Objective | Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) | 200µg/m³ (max 18 times/year) | 1-hour mean |
| Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) | 40µg/m³ | Annual mean |
| Particulate matter (PM₁₀) | 50µg/m³ (max 35 times/year) | 24-hour mean |
| Particulate matter (PM₁₀) | 40µg/m³ | Annual mean |
| Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) | 350µg/m³ (max 24 times/year) | 1-hour mean |
| Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) | 125µg/m³ (max 3 times/year) | 24-hour mean |
| Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) | 266µg/m³ (max 35 times/year) | 15-minute mean |
Monitoring sites
Air quality is monitored using:
- three automatic stations: Stockton Road, the Headland, and St Abbs Walk
- diffusion tubes across the borough
We measure nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and particulate matter (PM₁₀).
Hartlepool’s monitoring results consistently show good air quality in areas where the public is regularly exposed. No Air Quality Management Areas have been declared.
Annual Status Reports
We submit an Annual Status Report (ASR) to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) each year. The ASR contains the previous year's air quality monitoring data collected from around the borough and includes recommendations for future actions in relation to air quality.
Recent reports:
- Air Quality ASR 2024
- Air Quality ASR 2023
- Air Quality ASR 2022
- Air Quality ASR 2021
- Air Quality ASR 2020
- Air Quality ASR 2019
To request historic reports contact 01429 523333
Smoke Control Areas
Most of Hartlepool is covered by Smoke Control Areas (SCAs). In these areas:
- only authorised fuels may be used in fireplaces unless the appliance is exempt
- outdoor appliances such as barbecues and chimineas are allowed unless connected to a building chimney
- you are allowed to have garden bonfires in smoke control areas, but there are certain rules you must follow.
Check if your property is in a Smoke Control Area
Download authorised fuels list
Download exempt appliances list
If you live within a SCA and would like further information please refer to the official guidance document from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
Doing your bit
You can help reduce air pollution by:
- walking or cycling instead of driving - great for your health and the environment
- using public transport where possible
- joining a car sharing scheme to reduce the number of vehicles on the road
- choosing low-emission vehicles like hybrids or electric cars when replacing your current vehicle
- maintaining your vehicle - keep tyres properly inflated and avoid excessive speed, braking, or idling
- supporting local green initiatives - plant trees and greenery in your community
- disposing of garden waste responsibly - use the recycling centre instead of burning rubbish