NEW data reveals that people in Shipley are being exposed to illegal levels of nitrogen dioxide.

High levels of the gas can cause a flare-up of asthma or symptoms such as coughing and difficulty in breathing. Increasingly, scientists are linking air pollution to adverse long-term health problems for children and a leading cause of NO2 pollution is emissions from road traffic.

In November, Baildon Friends of the Earth, along with local residents, placed air monitoring tubes at a number of road junctions in Shipley.

READ MORE: Clean Air Bradford campaign to be launched

The results show that all the tubes placed on the main roads around Shipley breached the legal limits for NO2 pollution of 40mg/m3. The highest levels of NO2 was found at the Branch junction. And illegal levels were found near Shipley Church of England Primary School.

James Craig, Baildon Friends of the Earth coordinator, said: “It is a scandal that the people of Shipley and especially children are being exposed to illegal levels of air pollutants from traffic.

"Nitrogen dioxide is known to cause respiratory problems and overall exposure to high levels of air pollution bring forward over 40,000 deaths in the UK.

"Bradford Council have to act immediately to deal with this public health emergency. We are calling for them to implement a Clean Air Zone in Bradford to protect the health of the most vulnerable people in society, especially our children.”

Baildon Friends of the Earth, Bradford Cycling Campaign and Norwood Residents’ Association are hosting a meeting in the Kirkgate Centre, Shipley, on Saturday from 1-4pm for anyone who would like join the discussion on how to tackle air pollution in and around Shipley.

The figures in full were: The Branch Junction 57.92; Jct of Saltaire Rd/ Bingley Rd, Saltaire 55.08; Fox's Corner 53.15; Jct of Valley Rd and Otley Rd 47.45; Otley Road, opposite Shipley CE Primary School 42.23.

Results from two similar Friends of the Earth exercises held in early 2018 and 2017 also found high and illegal levels of NO2.