Air Pollution in London

Air pollution, the presence or introduction into the air of a substance which has harmful or poisonous effects, has a moderate effect on the city of London, England. According to the Real Time Air Quality Index, London generally emits air ratings of “good” or “moderate”. A good rating indicates that air quality is considered satisfactory and that the pollution poses little health risks. A moderate rating indicates that air quality is acceptable, but that some pollutants can cause a moderate health risk for a small amount of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. Most pollution in London is caused by road transport and domestic and commercial heating systems. The two pollutants of most concern are microscopic airborne particles, known as PM10, and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) - a toxic gas. There is also evidence that much of the pollution in the southern UK comes from winds bringing up pollution from the continent of Europe. In order to reduce the amount of air pollution, the city has put in new regulations. To reduce emissions from transport, the city is cleaning the bus fleet, capping the age of their taxi’s, setting new and tighter standards for the London Low Emission Zone, encouraging electric and low emission vehicles, and investing in cycling. In general, the city is also improving energy efficiency in homes and embedding air quality within the planning system. 

To view the real time updates from the Air Quality Index, visit the London site here