BRITAIN’S fresh air is getting even fresher because of a decline in serious pollutants being released into the atmosphere, according to figures released this weekend by the environment department Defra.

These pollutants include sulphur dioxide – which can turn rain acid, causing large-scale damage to river life and forestry - and dangerous chemicals like ammonia. The only pollutant to have shown a slight rise is benzene, mainly from vehicle exhausts.

Also down is the amount or carbon monoxide released – one of the worst “greenhouse” gasses.

“For all pollutants except benzene there has been a decrease in emissions between 2006 and 2007,” says the report.