Air pollution is caused when natural and manmade particles and gases are released into the atmosphere which can impact on our health and the natural environment. Air pollution is primarily caused by the combustion of fossil fuels, for example in power generation, industrial processes, domestic heating and road vehicles.
The main pollutants of concern in Sussex are nitrogen dioxide, ground level ozone and particulates. The main local source of pollution is traffic.
Once pollution is released into the air it’s mainly the weather that dictates whether it will cause an impact. During wet or windy conditions pollution concentrations remain low, either blown away or removed from the air by rain. During still weather pollution can build up to harmful amounts.
For more information on the main causes of pollution: https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/air-pollution/causes