What is air pollution?

Air quality is the term we use to describe how polluted the air we breathe is. When air quality is poor, pollutants in the air may be hazardous to people, particularly those with lung or heart conditions. Clean air is a basic requirement of a healthy environment for us all to live, work, and bring up our families.

Air pollution can cause both short term and long term effects on health and many people are concerned about pollution in the air that they breathe.

The principal driver of air pollution in London is road transport and, within that, diesel vehicles, with nearly 40 per cent of all nitrogen dioxide emissions within London coming from diesel vehicles. Other sources of air pollution such as gas boilers, burning wood and coal at home, and construction sites are also significant sources of air pollution which we work to address.

Improving conditions for walking and cycling, discouraging people from driving and addressing other borough wide and local sources or air pollution are critical if we are to reduce pollution levels and make our neighbourhoods more attractive and liveable for everyone.

Daily air quality measurements can be accessed through the London Air website. You can also find out about the air quality in your area on the government’s UK-Air website. It provides up to date information on air pollution and you can search by postcode. The UK-Air site also provides health advice to support people who are most at risk when air quality is poor.

For more information on air pollution, its health effects and types of pollutants, visit the Clean Air Hub.