Author(s)

A. L. Power, A. T. Worsley, C. A. Booth, N. Richardson & A. Bedford

Abstract

Research in Halton, northwest England, recognises the health effects of environmental pollution due to the extensive amount of industrialisation the area has experienced since the industrial revolution. The chemical industry still dominates this region, and concerns have arisen over potential links between industrial pollution and high morbidity and mortality in Halton. Recent commissioned work suggests that unhealthy life style and material deprivation are factors affecting health. However due to insufficient data a direct comparison has not been made between temporal pollution patterns and health records to assess impacts of pollution on health. A methodology using characteristics of lake sediments has provided proxy records of atmospheric pollution variations dating from pre-industrial times to present day. Preliminary mineral magnetic results are presented demonstrating the pollution profile of the area, giving a detailed record of changing atmospheric pollution since the lake was formed. In the future this can be compared to health records to identify possible relationships between pollution trends and disease patterns. Keywords: atmospheric pollution, public health, palaeolimnology, Halton Borough Council.

Keywords

atmospheric pollution, public health, palaeolimnology, Halton Borough Council.