Thirty years ago, the pollution was obvious along the western end of Kingsway, the coastal road in Hove.
It was borne on the south-west winds from two electricity power stations and a gasworks in nearby Shoreham harbour.
Now pollution is not as visible but it is just as potent.
It comes from the 30,000 cars, lorries and other vehicles that go along this busy stretch of the A259 daily.
The pollutants include particulates, tiny specks of dust which can get into the lungs and cause respiratory problems.
Councillors such as Steve Collier, who represents South Portslade, are concerned about possible problems from particulates.
Readings taken by Brighton and Hove City Council at this and other sites in the city indicate levels give no cause for concern.
But it would be desirable for all the thousands of people living near the coast road if the amount of traffic could be reduced.
If that cannot be achieved in the short term, then measures can be taken to reduce the pollutants that spew out from the vehicles.
Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company has already led the way by fitting equipment on their vehicles that reusults in fewer emissions.
Just because pollution cannot easily be seen does not mean it is not dangerous.
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