Published: 12 September 2024
Public Health Wales has undertaken a further health risk assessment of air quality data collected at the Spittal School monitoring station, covering the period between 1st July 2024 and 26th August 2024. No exceedances of the WHO odour annoyance (5ppb / 7ug/m3) level have been recorded.
In addition, we have reviewed air quality monitoring undertaken by GeoTechnology at other sites in the community between 4th June 2024 and 5th August 2024. This monitoring has recorded no exceedances of the WHO odour annoyance level.
It is reassuring that there are no exceedances of the WHO odour annoyance level for these periods. However, we understand that even at concentrations below this level, individual sensory responses can vary, and intermittent odours may have been experienced.
For some, bad odours or smells can lead to headaches, eye irritation, nausea, dizziness, and unusual tiredness, even when the substances that cause the odour are themselves not toxicologically harmful to health. These are common reactions, and these effects should usually pass once the odour has gone. The long-term (lifetime) health risk remains low.
Closing windows and doors when nasty smells occur, or when the wind is blowing from the landfill towards your home, can help to stop smells coming inside. Remember not to block windows or vents completely. This is because they provide air to vent cookers or heaters and can help to control damp.
Once an outdoor smell has passed, opening windows and doors will help get rid of any smells that remain.
The health risk assessment will continue to be reviewed and updated as more monitoring data is made available to us.