Brian Barton
London has been described as the most exposed city in the world when it comes to air pollution from aviation. A report from 2020, however, noted a 'dramatic plunge' in London's air pollution levels since 2016, with a 94% reduction in the number of people living in areas with illegal levels of nitrogen dioxide. Despite this, air pollution in London is constantly higher than the World Health Organization's recommended limits, and it has been estimated that in 2019, pollution was responsible for between 3,600 and 4,100 deaths in Greater London. The London Underground has also been found to be polluted with metallic particles small enough to enter the human bloodstream.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air Quality in London 2016-2024 | The number of Londoners living in areas exceeding the UK's legal air pollution limits has decreased significantly. |
| Annual average roadside NO2 concentrations | Dropped by 49% between 2016 and 2023 |
| Average annual concentrations of NO2 | Dropped to the lowest levels ever recorded in 2023 |
| Annual mean particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations | Did not exceed the latest interim World Health Organization (WHO) air quality target in 2023 |
| Number of monitoring sites exceeding the UK's annual legal limit for NO2 | Decreased from 56 sites in 2016 to 5 in 2023 |
| Number of hours when NO2 concentrations exceeded the UK's hourly legal limit | Reduced by 99% since 2016, from 4,130 hours in 2016 to 22 hours in 2023 |
| Main pollutant | PM2.5 |
| PM2.5 concentration | 5.1 µg/m³ |
| Comparison with other cities | London's air pollution is far below that of Delhi, the world's 11th most polluted city, with a PM2.5 concentration of 112µg m-3 |
| London's air pollution compared to the rest of the UK | Average concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were much higher in London than the rest of the UK in 2016, but have since fallen more steeply in London |
| Historical context | London's air pollution levels have improved dramatically since the 19th century, when the concentration of suspended particulate matter peaked due to coal burning |
| Current status | London has failed to stay below the recommended safe limit of air pollution, with every district exceeding safe levels for the most dangerous pollutants |
| Future goals | London aims to bring air pollution down to safe levels by 2030 through congestion charges, air pollution zones, and encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles and cycling |
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What You'll Learn
London's air pollution from aviation
London has been called the most polluted city in the world when it comes to air pollution from aviation. The city's six airports expose Londoners to the equivalent of 3.23 million cars' worth of harmful nitrogen oxides and particulate matter emissions every year. Heathrow airport is the second most polluting airport in the world, after Dubai International Airport. Heathrow is responsible for 19.1 million tonnes of CO2 emissions a year, 5,844 tonnes of NOx emissions, and 37 tonnes of PM2.5 pollution.
The impact of aviation pollution on the city is not limited to emissions. Aircraft noise levels have been flagged as a persistent issue, and the lack of EU standards on ultrafine particles poses a significant health risk to nearby residents. Pollution around airports is increasing annually, and critics argue that there are insufficient safeguards to address the various types of pollution caused by airports.
The London Underground is also a significant contributor to the city's air pollution. Studies have found that the air pollution levels on the Underground are higher than those in London overall and exceed the World Health Organization's (WHO) defined limits. The grinding of wheels, tracks, and brakes creates tiny iron-rich particles that pollute the air and are small enough to enter the human bloodstream.
While London has made strides in reducing overall air pollution since 2016, aviation pollution remains a critical concern. The number of people living with illegal pollution levels has dropped by 94% since Sadiq Khan became mayor, and there has been a dramatic decrease in NO2 levels in central London and along main bus routes. However, aviation pollution continues to affect the health of Londoners, and immediate measures are needed to mitigate its impact.
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London Underground's metallic particle pollution
London, a bustling metropolis, has often faced scrutiny for its air quality, and the underground railway system, a vital transport network, is no exception. The unique environment of the Tube, as it is affectionately known, presents specific challenges when it comes to air pollution, particularly concerning metallic particle contamination.
The issue of metallic particle pollution in the London Underground is a serious concern for commuters and visitors alike. The very nature of the Underground system, with its deep-level tunnels and intense usage, means that air quality can suffer. Trains, braking systems, and track infrastructure all contribute to the release of metallic particles into the air. These particles, when inhaled, can have negative health consequences, especially for those who use the Tube regularly.
Research has shown that the air underground contains high levels of iron, copper, and other metal particles. These particles are released from the train's braking systems and the wearing down of the track and train infrastructure. The issue is exacerbated by the enclosed nature of the Tube, with limited airflow, meaning these particles can remain suspended in the air for longer, increasing the potential for inhalation.
Additionally, the build-up of these metallic particles can also lead to the formation of 'metal dust', which is a more significant health risk. This dust can be released into the air during maintenance work or track repairs, and due to the fine nature of the dust, it can remain airborne for extended periods. Regular commuters and Tube workers are, therefore, at a higher risk of inhaling these particles, which can, over time, lead to respiratory issues and other health complications.
It is important to note that the issue of metallic particle pollution in the London Underground is a complex and ongoing challenge. While steps have been taken to improve air quality, such as improved ventilation systems and the introduction of newer trains with better braking technology, more needs to be done to ensure the health and safety of those who rely on this vital transport network.
Finally, with continued research and investment in infrastructure, there is hope for further improvements to air quality on the London Underground, mitigating the health risks associated with metallic particle pollution. This may include further technological advancements in braking systems, track maintenance, and the continued monitoring of air quality to ensure it meets safe standards. These steps are crucial to protecting the health of London's commuters and visitors who rely on this iconic transport system daily.
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Air pollution and its impact on schools
London has been called the most exposed city in the world when it comes to air pollution from aviation. The city's six airports expose Londoners to harmful nitrogen oxides and particulate matter emissions from planes taking off and landing. In addition to aviation, London's underground rail system is also a source of air pollution. Cambridge University researchers have found that the London Underground is polluted with ultrafine metallic particles that can enter the human bloodstream.
While air pollution is a problem across London, schools in the city are particularly affected. All schools in London are located in areas with average annual concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) above the World Health Organization's (WHO) guidelines. Schools in central London boroughs, such as the City of London, Islington, Tower Hamlets, Westminster, and Hackney, experience the highest levels of exposure. The average concentration of air pollutants around schools in London is more than double the average concentration in Cumbria, the local authority with schools in areas with the lowest concentrations of toxic air.
The impact of air pollution on physical health is well established, and it can have detrimental effects on children's health and development. Research has shown that children growing up in polluted parts of London have significantly smaller lung volume compared to their peers in other parts of England. Poor air quality can stunt lung growth and worsen chronic illnesses such as asthma, lung disease, and heart disease. It is estimated that London's poor air quality contributes to around 1,000 emergency hospital admissions for children with respiratory conditions each year.
Traffic-related air pollution, specifically NO2, has also been linked to lower educational attainment at age 15-16. There is also evidence that early childhood exposure to air pollution can have significant impacts on later life outcomes. Reducing pollution has been shown to increase attendance at schools with a high proportion of disadvantaged students.
To address the issue of air pollution in schools, the Mayor of London has implemented several measures. The introduction of the central London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) has helped reduce the number of state schools located in areas with illegal levels of nitrogen dioxide pollution. The Mayor has also announced a pilot program to test air filters in schools and has supported the Breathe London project, which aims to identify toxic air hotspots in the city.
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Air pollution and social justice
London has been called the most exposed city in the world when it comes to air pollution from aviation. A study found that the six airports in the city expose Londoners to harmful nitrogen oxides and particulate matter emissions from planes, equivalent to 3.23 million cars every year. Heathrow airport is the second most polluting individual airport in the world.
While London's air pollution has seen a dramatic plunge since 2016, with 44,000 fewer dirty vehicles being driven in central London every day compared to 2017, air pollution remains a significant issue. The London Underground, for example, is polluted with ultrafine metallic particles that can enter the human bloodstream.
Air pollution is a social justice issue, with evidence showing that it disproportionately affects socially deprived groups and minority ethnic communities. In London, black and brown people are on the front line of air pollution, with children in primary schools in the most deprived areas being more vulnerable to breathing polluted air. BAME students are also more exposed to air pollution than white students, and the most deprived Londoners are at least six times more likely to live in areas with high pollution.
The low emission zone (LEZ) policy, which targets a reduction in emissions from vehicles, is contested. Supporters argue it is a fair "polluter pays" instrument that benefits deprived communities, while opponents fear it will have an unequal social impact on people's accessibility and finances.
Addressing air pollution and social justice requires a multifaceted approach. Reducing the number of flights and implementing measures to limit airport expansion can help improve air quality. Additionally, initiatives such as charges for polluting vehicles and low emission zones can reduce toxic pollutants. Public transportation, such as the London Underground, should also prioritize improving air quality, as higher pollution levels have been recorded compared to those in London overall. Furthermore, stricter environmental legislation and initiatives like the Choked Up campaign can help raise awareness, influence policy, and address the racial and social inequalities associated with air pollution.
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London's air pollution reduction since 2016
London's air pollution has significantly reduced since 2016, with experts describing the changes as "dramatic". The number of Londoners living in areas with illegal levels of nitrogen dioxide has decreased by 94%, and the number of schools in such areas has dropped by 97%, from 455 in 2016 to 14 in 2019. This is a notable improvement, as air pollution was recognised as a global crisis, with evidence suggesting that dirty air worsens infection and death rates from COVID-19.
The improvements in London's air quality are largely due to the introduction and expansion of key policies aimed at reducing air pollution and protecting public health. The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, who was elected in May 2016, has implemented various measures to tackle air pollution. These include the world's first 24-hour Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which was introduced in 2019 and expanded London-wide in 2023. As a result, more than 95% of vehicles driving in London are now compliant with ULEZ emissions standards, up from 39% in 2017.
The number of monitoring sites across London exceeding the UK's annual legal limit for NO2 has decreased from 56 sites in 2016 to just five in 2023. There has also been a 99% reduction in the number of hours when NO2 concentrations exceeded the UK's hourly legal limit since 2016, dropping from 4,130 hours to just 22 hours in 2023. Annual roadside NO2 concentrations in London dropped by 49% between 2016 and 2023, despite a population increase of over a million people.
The improvements in air quality have been described as "remarkable", and the policies implemented by the Mayor have been credited with accelerating the reduction in emissions. London's air pollution crisis was not seen as an intractable problem, and the city has made significant progress towards reaching the UK's legal air pollution limits. The number of dirty vehicles being driven in central London every day has decreased by 44,000 since 2017, when charges for polluting vehicles were introduced.
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Frequently asked questions
Air pollution has been estimated to be responsible for the deaths of between 3,600 to 4,100 people in Greater London in 2019 alone. It is especially harmful to the young and old, and those with lung and heart conditions. People from minority ethnic communities are also more likely to live in areas with high air pollution.
London is the city in the world that is worst affected by air pollution from aviation. The planes taking off and landing at London's six airports expose the city's inhabitants to harmful nitrogen oxides and particulate matter emissions. The London Underground also has high levels of pollution, with ultrafine metallic particles that can enter the human bloodstream.
Air pollution in London has seen a dramatic plunge since 2016. There has been a 94% reduction in the number of people living in areas with illegal levels of nitrogen dioxide, and 44,000 fewer dirty vehicles are being driven in central London every day compared to 2017. However, air pollution remains a major public health challenge, and critics have called for more action to limit the expansion of airports.
