Website of the UK government

Climate change

At the top of the list of problems currently being caused by pollution is climate change, resulting mainly from energy use, transport and industrial processes.

• Climate change: a quick guide

Types of pollution

Pollution incidents

You can report pollution incidents for free by ringing the 24-hour hotline:

• 0800 807 060

Pollution can affect water, air or land. In general there are two types of pollution:

Point source pollution
Pollution that comes from a particular factory or outlet is called point source pollution.

Diffuse pollution
Pollution that comes from a number of sources, across large areas is called diffuse pollution. For example:

• pesticides used on farms, verges, leisure areas (e.g. golf courses and parks) or gardens – these, and other substances which end up in water, can harm fish and plant life
• vehicle exhaust fumes – these contain fine particles that can affect people with respiratory conditions, and nitrogen dioxide which can cause health effects and acid rain
• fire retardants used on items such as clothing and furniture 
• household substances that go down the drain, like cleaning products and exhaust residues in the water you use to wash your car, metals dissolved from pipe-work or hormones from the contraceptive pill

• Fertilisers and pesticides in watercourses Opens new window

Pollution from industrial sites

The Environment Agency regulates pollution from larger industrial units, which must report estimates of the substances they emit each year and where these have been exceeded. Regulation takes into account the effect of these emissions on the environment and human health. The Environment Agency keeps an annual account, or inventory, of information on releases of pollutants, which can be viewed by the public.

• Find out about the environment in your area, including pollution Opens new window

Pollution incidents

Pollution events such as oil spills or the accidental release of raw sewage can harm the environment. These events can kill fish and other waterlife, and can threaten human health. Other events, such as fly-tipping, degrade neighbourhoods and spoil the countryside.

In 2005, almost 1,000 pollution incidents had a serious impact on the environment in England and Wales - over 100 of these caused major environmental damage.

In 2005, sewage and waste materials - like asbestos, household rubbish and vehicle parts - were the most common pollutants in these incidents. Chemicals (mostly hazardous chemicals) were the most common pollutant in the most serious incidents. Over half of domestic pollution incidents involved hazardous pollutants.

Prosecutions and reporting incidents

Prosecutions are taken against companies that cause serious pollution incidents. In 2005, the Agency prosecuted 317 businesses resulting in total fines of over £2.7 million. In addition to fines, polluters can be sent to jail or given other penalties.

To report pollution incidents ring the free 24-hour hotline: 0800 807 060.

• Reporting polluted land and water

Air pollution

Choose a fuel efficient car

A fuel efficient car can help cut your contribution to air pollution and save you money

• Top 10 fuel efficient cars Opens new window

There are around 150 serious pollution incidents a year that have a serious impact on air quality; the waste industry causes over half of these, often by burning and smoke. Odours from landfill sites and other waste facilities are also common. In addition, one of the main contributors to air pollution and climate change is transport. With the number of car journeys increasing and those by foot, bus and bicycle falling, the way people travel is having consequences for the environment.

Air pollution can trigger an asthma attack and is thought to cause a rising number of hospital admissions and early deaths. You can help improve the air you breathe by making small changes to the way you travel, such as:

• not using your car for short journeys
• sharing car journeys where possible – especially on the school run
• choosing a fuel efficient car

• Greener travel: a quick guide
• Air pollution - find out more on the Environment Agency website Opens new window
• Releases into the air - find out more on the Environment Agency website Opens new window

Deciding which substances are safe

International bodies like the European Union and the United Nations assess the risks from polluting substances. There are laws and international treaties in place to ban or severely restrict many of the most dangerous substances.

• More on international chemical legislation Opens new window

The environment in your area

Information is available about the quality of rivers, beaches and the air where you live. 

• Local air and river quality, flood risk areas and clean beaches

What you can do

You will find many ideas in the environment and greener living section to help you reduce pollution. For example, choosing greener transport options, buying a greener car or making sure you dispose of hazardous waste like oil, pesticides, some paints and electrical equipment properly.

• Greener travel
• Disposal of hazardous waste
• Watersense: what you can do to prevent water pollution Opens new window