Pollution
The national planning policy framework (NPPF) defines pollution as: 'Anything that affects the quality of land, air, water or soils, which might lead to an adverse impact on human health, the natural environment or general amenity. Pollution can arise from a range of emissions, including smoke, fumes, gases, dust, steam, odour, noise and light.'
CIRIA's Delivering green infrastructure along linear assets. Scoping study (phase 1) defines pollution as: 'A change in the physical, chemical, radiological or biological quality of a resource (air, land or water) caused by humans or their activities that is injurious to the existing, intended or potential uses of the resource.'
Water for life and livelihoods, River basin management plans, Glossary, Published by the Environment Agency in 2016, defines diffuse pollution as: ‘Pollution from widespread activities with no one discrete source, e.g. pesticides, urban run-off etc. Pollution resulting from scattering or dispersed sources that are collectively significant but to which effects are difficult to attribute individually.’
NB On 20 May 2019, the British Safety Council launched a campaign to have air pollution recognised as an occupational health hazard for construction workers and others who work outdoors. Ref https://www.britsafe.org/about-us/press-releases/2019/it-s-time-to-recognise-air-pollution-as-an-occupational-health-hazard/
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Air quality.
- Brownfield land.
- Climate-altering pollutants.
- Construction dust.
- Contaminated land.
- COSHH.
- Deleterious materials.
- Diffuse pollution.
- Fertilizer groundwater pollution.
- Greenhouse gas.
- Hazardous substances.
- Indoor air quality.
- Light pollution.
- Methane and other gasses from the ground.
- Miasma theory.
- Natural pollutant.
- Planning (Hazardous Substances) Act 1990.
- Point source pollution.
- Pollution Prevention Guidelines (PPGs).
- Ozone depleting substance.
- Noise pollution.
- Radon.
- Smog.
- Solid and liquid contaminants risk assessments.
- Sources of external pollution.
- Specific pollutant.
- Water pollution.
Featured articles and news
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.
Heritage staff wellbeing at work survey.
A five minute introduction.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Showcasing the very best electrotechnical and engineering services for half a century.
Welsh government consults on HRBs and reg changes
Seeking feedback on a new regulatory regime and a broad range of issues.
CIOB Client Guide (2nd edition) March 2025
Free download covering statutory dutyholder roles under the Building Safety Act and much more.
AI and automation in 3D modelling and spatial design
Can almost half of design development tasks be automated?
Minister quizzed, as responsibility transfers to MHCLG and BSR publishes new building control guidance.
UK environmental regulations reform 2025
Amid wider new approaches to ensure regulators and regulation support growth.
The maintenance challenge of tenements.
BSRIA Statutory Compliance Inspection Checklist
BG80/2025 now significantly updated to include requirements related to important changes in legislation.
Shortlist for the 2025 Roofscape Design Awards
Talent and innovation showcase announcement from the trussed rafter industry.