The Air Pollution Health Emergency

Toxic air in the UK and the role of biocatalysis in future remediation

Air pollution in the United Kingdom has quietly escalated into one of the most urgent public health crises of our time. Although the warning signs have been present for decades, recent evidence has made the scale of the emergency unavoidably clear: toxic air is contributing to hundreds of premature deaths every week, affecting the health of millions, and placing enormous strain on an already pressured National Health Service. Unlike dramatic environmental disasters that make the headlines, air pollution is largely invisible. Yet its impact is deeply pervasive, seeping into every organ system and affecting people of all ages—from infants still in prams to older residents living in cities, towns and villages across the UK.

While government policies, technological advancements, and cleaner transport initiatives have made some progress, the hard truth remains: regulatory solutions alone are not closing the gap quickly enough. Pollution levels in many areas remain above recommended limits, and some sources of pollution—such as domestic wood burning—are actually increasing. To protect public health and restore environmental stability, the UK needs new approaches that are safe, sustainable and capable of acting directly upon pollutants in the environment.

This is where biological science, and biocatalysis in particular, is emerging as a promising frontier. Enzymes—natural catalysts that speed up chemical reactions—already play essential roles in environmental processes. Today, companies like Bioglobe, with laboratories in Cyprus and a dedicated presence in the UK, are pioneering the next generation of organic enzyme-based bioremediation. Their work demonstrates how bespoke enzyme systems can be used to break down pollutants in soils, water, industrial sites and even those deposited from the air, without leaving harmful residues or disrupting ecosystems.

This article explores the current air pollution emergency in the UK, outlines the health and environmental consequences, and explains how biological solutions—especially Bioglobe’s organic enzyme remediation—can help support a cleaner, safer future.

Problem: Understanding the Air Pollution Emergency

The scale of the crisis

Air pollution today is not simply an environmental nuisance; it is a leading driver of chronic illness. Medical bodies have described it as one of the greatest threats to public health in the UK, linking it to respiratory disease, lung cancer, cardiovascular illness, dementia, premature birth and developmental issues in children. Every year, tens of thousands of people die earlier than they otherwise would because of long-term exposure to pollutants such as PM₂.₅, NO₂, ozone and various volatile organic compounds.

The most troubling aspect is that there is no safe level of exposure to some of these pollutants. Even low concentrations, previously thought acceptable, are now known to cause harm, particularly to the most vulnerable groups: newborns, pregnant women, people with pre-existing health problems, and older adults.

What pollutants are we talking about?

PM₂.₅ – Fine particulate matter

PM₂.₅ refers to microscopic particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or smaller—so small that they can penetrate deep into the lungs and pass directly into the bloodstream. These particles come from vehicle exhausts, tyre and brake wear, combustion processes, industrial emissions, and domestic burning of wood or coal.

These particulates carry with them an array of chemical compounds that can trigger inflammation, oxidative stress and tissue damage. Long-term exposure is known to contribute to heart attacks, strokes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and even metabolic issues such as diabetes.

NO₂ – Nitrogen dioxide

Nitrogen dioxide is primarily produced by combustion engines, particularly diesel vehicles, as well as gas boilers, industrial sites and biomass burning. It is a respiratory irritant associated with increased hospital admissions for asthma, reduced lung development in children, and worsened symptoms in people with chronic respiratory conditions.

Other pollutants

While PM₂.₅ and NO₂ receive the most attention, they are not alone. Volatile organic compounds, ground-level ozone, ammonia, sulphur dioxide and ultrafine particles all contribute cumulatively to poor air quality. Many of these pollutants react in sunlight to form secondary pollutants, creating a complex cocktail of toxic compounds.

Where is this pollution coming from?

Transport

Road traffic continues to be a dominant source of urban air pollution. Even with the rise of electric vehicles, particulate emissions from tyres, brakes and road surfaces remain a major issue. Diesel vehicles, which produce disproportionately high levels of NO₂ and particulates, remain common on UK roads.

Domestic wood burning

One of the most surprising contributors to modern air pollution is domestic heating. Wood-burning stoves have become increasingly popular in recent years, yet even the so-called “eco-design” models emit far more PM₂.₅ than many consumers are aware of. Studies suggest that domestic wood burning can sometimes produce greater levels of particulates than road traffic in certain neighbourhoods during winter months.

Industrial and agricultural emissions

Factories, waste-processing plants, chemical facilities and power generation sites all contribute to emissions. Additionally, agriculture is a significant source of ammonia, which can react with other pollutants to form harmful particulates.

Urban architecture and weather patterns

Tall buildings, narrow street canyons and particular weather conditions can trap pollutants, causing concentrations to rise. Many British towns and cities—especially those with older, tightly packed urban centres—are vulnerable to this effect.

Consequences: How Air Pollution Affects Health, Society and the Environment

Health impacts

Exposure to air pollutants affects nearly every system in the human body. This is because particulate matter and associated chemical compounds can travel far beyond the lungs, entering the bloodstream and reaching vital organs.

Respiratory system

Increased risk of asthma attacks
Reduced lung development in children
Higher rates of COPD
Exacerbation of chronic bronchitis
Increased susceptibility to respiratory infections

Cardiovascular system

Air pollution is now understood to be a significant contributor to:

Heart attacks
Strokes
Hypertension
Atherosclerosis
Irregular heart rhythms

Cancer risk

Long-term exposure to PM₂.₅ is strongly linked to certain types of lung cancer. Some pollutants contain carcinogenic compounds capable of damaging DNA and triggering tumour formation.

Brain and cognitive health

Emerging research suggests that air pollution contributes to:

Accelerated cognitive decline
Higher incidence of dementia
Impaired neurological development in children
Mental health challenges related to inflammation and oxidative stress

Pregnancy and infant development

Exposure during pregnancy has been linked to:

Premature birth
Low birth-weight
Developmental issues
Increased risk of childhood asthma

In short, no organ is fully protected from the effects of air pollution.

Social and economic consequences

Pressure on the NHS

Pollution-driven illnesses contribute to rising hospital admissions, GP appointments and long-term medical treatments. This places a heavy burden on healthcare services already under strain.

Lost productivity

Illness, time off work and reduced long-term health outcomes contribute to significant economic losses. Many people experiencing respiratory or cardiovascular problems struggle with work, physical activity and daily tasks.

Inequality

Air pollution does not affect everyone equally. Lower-income communities, often located near busy roads or industrial zones, face disproportionately higher exposure levels. Children growing up in polluted environments may suffer long-term disadvantages in health and cognitive development.

Environmental damage

Pollutants from the air settle on land, vegetation and water bodies. This can:

Damage sensitive ecosystems
Reduce biodiversity
Contaminate soil and waterways
Affect crop yields
Alter the chemistry of natural habitats

Air pollution is therefore not only a health crisis, but a threat to food security, wildlife and the long-term sustainability of the UK’s natural environment.

Solution: How Bioglobe’s Organic Enzyme Bioremediation Can Help

While policy interventions, cleaner technologies and improved urban design are essential, they do not directly neutralise or break down pollutants already in the environment. This is where biological remediation—specifically organic enzyme systems—can fill a critical gap.

What is enzyme-based bioremediation?

Enzymes are biological catalysts naturally produced by plants, fungi and microorganisms. They accelerate chemical reactions without being consumed in the process. In environmental applications, specific enzymes are used to break down pollutants into harmless by-products such as water, carbon dioxide or simple organic compounds.

Bioglobe’s approach is unique because:

The enzymes are organic and naturally derived.
They are designed and formulated specifically for each pollution scenario.
They leave no harmful residues or persistent chemicals.
They are fully biodegradable and safe for ecosystems.

How Bioglobe creates bespoke enzyme formulations

At the Bioglobe laboratory in Cyprus, environmental samples such as contaminated soil, wastewater, sediments or pollution deposits are analysed to identify their chemical composition. This analysis includes:

Identifying target pollutants
Measuring concentration levels
Assessing environmental conditions (e.g., pH, temperature, organic matter)

Based on these findings, Bioglobe formulates a tailored enzyme blend designed to break down the specific pollutants present. This bespoke approach ensures maximum efficiency and avoids unnecessary or broad-spectrum treatments that could waste resources or interfere with non-target ecosystems.

This level of specificity is crucial when dealing with complex mixtures of pollutants, such as those found in urban environments affected by air pollution.

How can enzyme remediation support air pollution solutions?

Although air pollution itself occurs in the atmosphere, a large proportion of harmful pollutants eventually settle onto surfaces, soils, plants, waterways and buildings. This means they accumulate in places where they can be treated using enzymatic processes.

1. Green walls, living barriers and biofilters

Bioglobe already works with living infrastructure such as green walls and natural buffer zones. These installations can be enhanced with enzyme systems to degrade:

Deposited particulate matter
Hydrocarbons
Organic pollutants
Nitrogenous compounds

Living structures treated with Bioglobe’s enzymes can act as active biofilters, breaking down pollutants rather than merely capturing them.

2. Enzyme hydrogels for long-term deployment

Bioglobe has developed advanced enzyme hydrogels that can continuously release enzymes over time. These could be integrated into:

Green roofs
Water run-off systems
Roadside planting schemes
Community gardens
Urban nature-based solutions

These systems capture pollutants washed from the air by rain and degrade them before they enter soil or water bodies.

3. Immobilised enzymes in urban structures

Immobilised enzyme technology allows active enzymes to be bound to:

Surfaces
Membranes
Filters
Substrates used in public infrastructure

Imagine materials used in air-purifying installations, roadside structures or ventilation systems that not only capture pollutants but actively break them down. This type of innovation could complement existing air-cleaning technologies.

4. Remediation of pollution hotspots

Air pollution is not evenly distributed. Certain areas—busy roads, industrial zones, city centres or enclosed environments—accumulate higher concentrations of pollutants in deposits and surface residues. Bioglobe can analyse samples from these hotspots and produce a targeted enzyme blend to reduce contamination levels and mitigate long-term environmental effects.

5. Completely safe, ecological and residue-free remediation

A major advantage of enzyme biocatalysis is that it does not introduce new chemicals into the environment. There are:

No toxic residues
No bioaccumulating compounds
No disruption to local fauna or flora
No risk to groundwater

This makes enzyme remediation suitable for use near schools, homes, public spaces and sensitive habitats.

How Bioglobe differs from traditional remediation methods

Chemical treatments

Often effective but can leave harmful by-products, damage ecosystems or require repeated applications.

Physical removal

Expensive, labour-intensive and often impractical for widespread pollution.

Microbial remediation

Useful but slower and more sensitive to environmental conditions. Some communities resist the introduction of additional microbial species.

Bioglobe’s enzyme remediation

Fast
Targeted
Safe
Environmentally neutral
Adaptable to a wide range of settings
Fully biodegradable

By using enzymes instead of entire organisms, Bioglobe ensures that the remediation process is stable, controlled and predictable.

Why the UK Should Embrace Enzyme Biocatalysis

The air pollution crisis requires a multi-pronged solution. While enforcement of clean air policies, electrification of transportation and public awareness campaigns remain vital, there is a missing piece: active remediation.

The UK has long relied on prevention and regulation to manage pollution. However, with pollutants continuing to accumulate in the environment, a passive approach is no longer sufficient.

Enzymatic biocatalysis offers a new path forward:

It is scalable and adaptable.
It works harmoniously with natural systems.
It reduces long-term environmental burden.
It enables action in specific hotspots.
It supports sustainable urban design.
It is cost-effective over long periods.

Bioglobe is uniquely positioned to support this transition. With cutting-edge laboratory capabilities, custom enzyme engineering and a proven track record in soil, water and PFAS remediation, the company’s technology can complement the broader national effort to address the air pollution emergency.

Conclusion

Air pollution in the UK is a profound public health emergency. Its effects extend far beyond occasional smoggy days or roadside fumes; it is a constant, pervasive threat impacting every community. While the scale of the problem is enormous, solutions exist—and biological science is opening new doors that were unimaginable just a decade ago.

Organic enzyme remediation does not replace transport policies, emission standards or clean-air regulations. But it does provide a powerful, nature-aligned tool to tackle pollutants after they have entered the environment. With custom enzyme systems, safe biodegradability and strong scientific foundations, companies like Bioglobe offer a promising way to reduce pollution levels sustainably and without harm.

As awareness grows, it is likely that biocatalysis will play a growing role in the future of UK environmental strategy—helping towns, cities and communities breathe cleaner air.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is enzyme remediation?

Enzyme remediation uses natural biological catalysts to break down pollutants. Instead of masking or capturing contaminants, enzymes transform them into harmless substances that can safely return to the ecosystem.

2. How can enzymes help with air pollution if the pollution is in the air?

Many pollutants eventually settle onto buildings, soils, vegetation and water. Enzymes can be applied to these surfaces—via hydrogels, green infrastructure or immobilised systems—to degrade harmful compounds left behind by airborne pollution.

3. Is enzyme remediation safe for people, pets and wildlife?

Yes. Bioglobe’s enzymes are organic, biodegradable and non-toxic. They leave no harmful residues and do not disrupt local plants, animals or soil ecology.

4. Can enzymes replace air filters or clean-air zones?

No. Enzymes are an additional tool, not a replacement for regulation. They complement clean-air initiatives by breaking down pollutants already present in the environment.

5. How can local councils or community groups use Bioglobe’s technology?

Bioglobe can analyse samples from polluted sites and create bespoke enzyme formulations tailored to local needs. These can be integrated into green walls, roadside planting, stormwater systems or community environmental projects to reduce pollution safely and sustainably.

Bioglobe offer Organic Enzyme pollution remediation for major oil-spills, oceans and coastal waters, marinas and inland water, sewage and nitrate remediation and agriculture and brown-field sites, throughout the UK and Europe.

We have created our own Enzyme based bioremediation in our own laboratory in Cyprus and we are able to create bespoke variants for maximum efficacy.

Our team are able to identify the pollution, we then assess the problem, conduct site tests and send samples to our lab where we can create a bespoke variant, we then conduct a pilot test and proceed from there.

Our Enzyme solutions are available around the world, remediation pollution organically without any harm to the ecosystem.

For further information:
BioGlobe LTD (UK),
Phone: +44(0) 116 4736303| Email: info@bioglobe.co.uk