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Air pollution is a significant issue in many parts of the world, and it is essential to be aware of the pollution levels in your local area. The BBC has developed a tool in collaboration with EarthSense that enables people in the UK to check the pollution levels in their specific location by entering their postcode. This tool provides a score from 1 to 6, indicating the level of pollution, with 1 being the least polluted and 6 the most. This information can help individuals make informed decisions about their health, especially if they have heart or lung problems, and take appropriate measures to reduce their exposure to pollution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Data | 2018, with an update in 2022 |
| Data Provider | EarthSense |
| Location | UK |
| Pollutant | NO2 |
| Scale | 1-6, from least to most polluted |
| Areas Rated 1 | Over 80% of postcodes |
| Areas Rated 4 or 5 | 1% of postcodes |
| Areas Rated 6 | 0% of postcodes |
| Areas Rated Worst | London, other built-up areas, and rural locations near motorways |
| Health Impact | Contributes to 40,000 early deaths per year, particularly affecting those with heart and lung issues |
| Actionable Steps | Avoid busy roads, use side roads, and watch out for hotspots of dirty air |
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What You'll Learn
Pollution hotspots in your area
Air pollution is estimated to contribute to 40,000 early deaths per year in the UK, particularly affecting those with heart and lung issues. While air quality in Britain is improving, it is important to be aware of pollution levels in your area, especially near schools or your route to work.
The BBC has created a tool that allows you to check the pollution levels in your area by simply entering your postcode. The tool provides a score from 1 to 6, with 1 being the least polluted and 6 the most. The ratings are based on the presence of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a good indicator of other pollutant types. Over 80% of postcodes in Great Britain fall into the least polluted category, with none in the highest. However, three-quarters of the worst-rated postcodes are in London, including Marylebone Road, Hyde Park Corner, and Brixton Road.
In addition to London, other built-up areas and rural locations near motorways may also experience higher pollution levels. To avoid the most polluted areas, it is recommended to walk on side roads, stay away from busy roads, and be cautious of "urban canyons" of pollution that can form around stationary traffic, especially at traffic lights.
For residents of Brighton, the Brighton & Hove and Sussex Real-Time Air Quality Portal provides up-to-date information on air pollution levels in the area. This tool was launched by the Brighton and Hove City Council to help tackle pollution and raise awareness about the impact of vehicle emissions, gas boilers, and solid fuel burning on air quality.
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How to check pollution levels
You can check the pollution levels in your area by using the BBC's tool, which is based on data provided by EarthSense. By entering your postcode, you will receive a score from 1 to 6, with 1 being the least polluted and 6 being the most polluted. The ratings are based on the concentration of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the air, a dominant source of which is traffic emissions.
According to the tool, over 80% of postcodes in Great Britain fall into the least polluted category, with no areas rated as a 6. However, it is important to note that the data does not include Northern Ireland. Additionally, three-quarters of the postcodes with the worst ratings are in London, with other built-up areas and rural locations near motorways also featuring on the list.
To avoid polluted areas in your daily life, it is recommended to stay away from busy roads and stick to side roads, as pollution concentrates around heavy traffic. When walking up a hill, stay on the side where traffic is flowing downhill to avoid the brunt of the fumes. It is also suggested to watch out for "'urban canyons'" of pollution, which can form around stationary traffic, particularly at traffic lights.
During the coronavirus lockdown in 2020, average air pollution levels in London fell to their lowest since recordings began in 2000, largely due to reduced traffic and construction. This provided an opportunity for scientists to study the atmosphere and advise policymakers on potential ways to improve air quality in the future.
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How to avoid polluted areas
Air pollution is a serious issue that affects people worldwide, particularly those with heart and lung issues. It is estimated to cause 40,000 early deaths per year in the UK alone. While air quality is improving in Britain, it is still important to be aware of pollution levels in your area and take precautions to avoid polluted areas as much as possible. Here are some ways to do that:
Check Air Quality in Your Area
Use online tools such as the one provided by the BBC, which allows you to check the pollution levels in your street by entering your postcode. The Brighton & Hove and Sussex Real-Time Air Quality Portal is another useful resource for residents in those areas. Knowing the pollution levels in your area can help you make informed decisions about your daily routines and activities.
Avoid Busy Roads
Pollution concentrates around areas with heavy traffic. Therefore, it is advisable to stay away from busy main roads as much as possible. Opt for side roads instead, as they tend to have much cleaner air due to reduced traffic.
Be Mindful of Hotspots
Keep an eye out for hotspots of dirty air, such as areas where engines are often left running in stationary traffic. Traffic lights, for example, can create "urban canyons" of pollution. Try to stand back after pushing the button before crossing the road to minimize your exposure.
Choose Greener Transport Options
Vehicle exhaust is a major source of air pollution. Consider leaving your car at home and opting for more environmentally friendly options like carpooling, public transportation, biking, or even walking. If you must drive, keep your car well-maintained and fix any exhaust or oxygen sensor problems promptly.
Reduce Personal Contributions to Pollution
There are many small actions you can take to reduce your personal contribution to air pollution. For example, limit backyard fires, switch to electric or hand-powered lawn equipment, and choose energy-efficient appliances and heating systems. Additionally, support policies and initiatives that promote cleaner transport, energy-efficient homes, and better waste management practices.
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The impact of pollution on health
Air pollution is a major environmental health hazard and is the single largest environmental health risk in Europe. It is caused by the presence of contaminants in the atmosphere, such as dust, fumes, gases, mist, odour, smoke or vapour, in quantities that can be harmful to human health. The main pathway of exposure from air pollution is through the respiratory tract, which can lead to inflammation, oxidative stress, immunosuppression, and mutagenicity in cells throughout the body, impacting the lungs, heart, and brain, among other organs.
Particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulphur dioxide (SO2) are among the pollutants with the most significant evidence for public health concern. Fine particulate matter, such as PM2.5, is of particular concern as it can penetrate deep into the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and travel to organs, causing systemic damage to tissues and cells. Short-term exposure to high levels of particulate matter can lead to reduced lung function, respiratory infections, and aggravated asthma.
Long-term or chronic exposure to fine particulate matter increases the risk of non-communicable diseases with longer onsets, such as stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancer. Air pollution is also associated with adverse birth outcomes, such as low birth weight, pre-term birth, and small gestational age births. Maternal exposure to air pollution during pregnancy can negatively impact the health of the fetus.
Both short- and long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to a wide range of diseases. The latest estimates show that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has the most substantial health impacts. It is a major cause of premature death and disease, contributing to an estimated 40,000 early deaths per year in the UK alone. Air pollution also disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Reducing air pollution is crucial to mitigate its impact on public health. Implementing regulations and transitioning away from coal-powered plants and other major sources of air pollution, such as traffic emissions, can effectively decrease pollution levels and improve health outcomes. Additionally, individuals can take measures to avoid the most polluted areas, such as busy roads, and opt for side roads or less congested routes when possible.
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Pollution levels during COVID-19 lockdown
The COVID-19 lockdown significantly improved air quality, especially in transportation and industrial areas. A study on air pollution during the lockdown in 2020 showed a pronounced decline in PM2.5 and PM10, with reductions of up to 63% and 58%, respectively, compared to the pre-lockdown period. Other pollutants such as NOx and CO also showed significant drops, while SO2 and O3 levels declined slightly. This trend was observed in several cities, including Wuhan, Mumbai, and Delhi, with the most polluted cities experiencing the most significant reductions.
During the lockdown, people drove less, flew less, and many industries were shut down or reduced their activity. This resulted in a substantial decrease in the emission of pollutants into the atmosphere. The lockdown provided a unique opportunity to establish baseline pollution levels and assess the impact of human activity on air quality. The positive impact of the lockdown on air quality was particularly evident in highly polluted cities. For example, in Wuhan and Mumbai, the percentage of unhealthy days decreased during the lockdown, and this trend continued even after the restrictions were lifted.
However, in cities with typically low pollution levels, such as Tokyo, there was an insignificant change in air quality during the lockdown. This could be because there was less room for improvement, as Tokyo's air quality is usually quite good. The lockdown also highlighted the impact of specific local activities on air quality. For instance, in Brighton, solid fuel burning was identified as a significant source of fine particle pollution (PM2.5), which is a severe problem for people with asthma and contributes to early deaths.
While the COVID-19 lockdown improved air quality in many areas, it is important to note that even before the lockdown, air quality in Britain was generally better than in many other countries, especially across Asia. According to Prof Leigh, in Britain, it is always better to exercise outdoors than to stay inside to avoid pollution, even in highly polluted areas. To minimize exposure to air pollution, it is recommended to stay away from busy roads and traffic, use side roads, and be cautious around "urban canyons" of pollution created by stationary traffic, such as near traffic lights.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use the tool provided by the BBC, which works with data from EarthSense. Simply enter your postcode and you will get a score from 1 to 6, with 1 being the least polluted and 6 being the most polluted.
The scores are based on the amount of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the air.
It is recommended to keep away from the busiest roads as pollution concentrates around heavy traffic. Instead, use side roads, which are cleaner because there is much less traffic.
