Meghan Hodges
Air pollution is a serious issue, with links to life-shortening lung and heart conditions, breast cancer, and diabetes. It is estimated that air pollution contributes to 40,000 early deaths per year in Britain, with London being one of the most polluted cities in Europe. With over 1,148 schools near heavily polluted roads in London alone, it is important to understand the pollution levels on your road and how you can be affected. Tools such as the BBC's postcode search and the Clean Air Hub's UK air pollution forecast map can help you determine the air quality in your area and make informed decisions to reduce your exposure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Areas rated by pollution level | 1 (least polluted) to 6 (most polluted) |
| Percentage of postcodes in Great Britain in the least polluted category | 80% |
| Percentage of postcodes in Great Britain in categories 4 and 5 | 1% |
| Percentage of postcodes in Great Britain in the highest category (6) | 0% |
| Percentage of postcodes with the worst ratings that are in London | 75% |
| Areas outside London with the worst ratings | Other built-up areas, rural locations near motorways |
| Key source of NO2 gas | Diesel vehicles |
| Effect of air pollution on health | Linked to life-shortening lung and heart conditions, breast cancer, and diabetes |
| Number of early deaths per year contributed by air pollution | 40,000 |
| Percentage of British children exposed to "illegal" levels of air pollution | Over 50% |
| Website to check local air quality in London | London Air Quality Network |
| Website to check UK air pollution forecast | Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) |
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What You'll Learn
Pollution hotspots in the UK
While more than four in five postcodes in Great Britain fall into the least polluted category, there are still several pollution hotspots in the UK. Friends of the Earth analysed data and identified that 27% of neighbourhoods in England classify as "pollution hotspots" for nature and wildlife. These neighbourhoods have pollution levels above the thresholds for air, water, light, and noise pollution that are deemed damaging to nature and wildlife.
London is a well-known pollution hotspot in the UK, with three-quarters of the postcodes with the worst ratings being in the capital. However, other cities such as Portsmouth, Dartford, Brighton, Sheffield, Coventry, and Leeds also have unsafe levels of air pollution. In 2023, the mayor of London issued a high pollution alert for the capital due to unseasonably warm February weather, with traffic emissions being the main culprit.
Outside of big cities, there are also pollution hotspots in smaller towns and rural locations near motorways. In fact, the worst hotspots were found to be outside of London, by busy A-roads in southern England. For example, the dirtiest air last year was recorded at a monitoring site off the A35 dual carriageway through Christchurch in Dorset.
To check the air quality in your area, you can refer to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) UK air pollution forecast map or the Clean Air Hub, which provides information on UK air quality and how to reduce your exposure.
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How to avoid polluted roads
Exposure to traffic pollution is influenced by several factors, such as wind patterns, the direction of the nearest freeway, the types of vehicles and buildings around, and the time of day. Living near highways, freeway ramps, major intersections, and stoplights can expose you to twice as much pollution. Diesel trucks, for instance, emit many times more harmful gases and particles than cars, and diesel particulate matter has been linked to increased cancer risk and early deaths.
To avoid polluted roads and minimize your exposure to traffic pollution, consider the following strategies:
- Check air pollution levels and forecasts: Stay informed about the air quality in your area by regularly checking real-time air pollution maps and forecasts. Sources like local radio, TV weather reports, newspapers, and websites like AirNow.gov can provide you with this information. This awareness will help you make informed decisions about your outdoor activities.
- Avoid living close to highway interchanges and freeway ramps: These areas have been identified as pollution hotspots, with residents experiencing twice the amount of pollution.
- Maintain a distance from major intersections and stoplights: Vehicles emit high levels of exhaust and toxic particles, such as copper dust, when accelerating or braking at intersections and stoplights.
- Exercise indoors or in less polluted areas: When pollution levels are high, opt for indoor workouts or choose locations away from high-traffic areas. Even when the air quality is good, avoid exercising near busy highways, as the vehicles can still create high pollution levels in the surrounding areas.
- Limit children's exposure: Minimize the time children spend playing outdoors when the air quality is unhealthy. Encourage their schools to participate in programs like the U.S. EPA's Clean School Bus Program, which aims to replace diesel buses with zero-emissions alternatives.
- Reduce energy consumption: Lower your energy usage at home, as generating electricity contributes to air pollution. Additionally, support broader efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources.
- Utilize alternative transportation methods: Opt for walking, biking, carpooling, or using public transportation like buses, subways, or commuter trains instead of driving your car.
- Avoid idling your vehicle: Whether in a personal car or a school bus, idling contributes to exhaust levels. Turn off your engine when waiting for prolonged periods.
- Protect your indoor air quality: Ensure the air you breathe at home is clean by using air purifiers or plants that improve air quality.
- Advocate for cleaner air: Get involved in campaigns and initiatives that prioritize clean air and urge policymakers to implement measures to reduce pollution.
By following these strategies, you can actively reduce your exposure to polluted roads and improve your overall air quality.
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The health impacts of road pollution
Road pollution has been linked to a range of adverse health effects, with risks increasing for those living in close proximity to busy roads. Motor vehicles are a significant source of air pollution, particularly in urban areas, and the increasing severity and duration of traffic congestion have the potential to greatly increase pollutant emissions and degrade air quality.
Vehicle emissions have become a dominant source of air pollutants, including carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and hydrocarbons (HCs). These pollutants have been associated with various health risks, including respiratory and cardiovascular issues, asthma, lung function reduction, and in some cases, more severe health problems such as cancer and heart attacks.
Studies have shown excess health risks associated with proximity to roads, even after adjusting for socioeconomic status and noise factors. The levels of pollutants such as ultrafine particles, NO2, black carbon, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and certain metals are typically higher near roads. These pollutants can have detrimental effects on individuals with pre-existing cardiopulmonary disease, children, older adults, and people living in low socioeconomic communities.
Recurring traffic congestion can lead to repeated and chronic exposures to these pollutants, increasing long-term health risks. "Incident congestion," caused by accidents or disabled vehicles, can also exacerbate specific acute health conditions, such as asthma. The design of roadways, including the implementation of noise barriers and roadside vegetation, can play a role in reducing exposure to air pollutants for nearby residents.
Additionally, the impact of road pollution is not limited to those living near busy roads. Pollution from vehicles can travel farther than previously thought, influenced by factors such as wind patterns, the direction of the nearest freeway, and the types of surrounding vehicles and buildings. As a result, even those living or working some distance from major roads may still be exposed to elevated levels of air contaminants, experiencing similar adverse health effects.
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How to check the pollution level of your road
It is essential to be aware of the pollution levels on your road or nearby, especially if you live near busy roads or in areas with heavy traffic. While air quality in Britain is improving, and basic face masks are not effective, there are a few ways to check the pollution levels on your road and take appropriate action.
Firstly, you can use online tools such as real-time air pollution maps, which cover over 80 countries. These maps use laser particle sensors to measure PM2.5 and PM10 particle pollution, which are harmful pollutants. You can also contribute to these maps by setting up your own air quality station with a simple Wi-Fi access point and a USB power supply.
Another way to check pollution levels is by using a postcode search on websites such as the BBC, which provides air quality data for your specific area. In the UK, each area is rated on a scale from 1 (least polluted) to 6 (most polluted), based on the probability of breaking the annual legal limit for NO2. This is an important measure as high concentrations of NO2 often indicate the presence of other pollutant types.
To avoid exposure to polluted air, it is recommended to stay away from busy roads and use side roads, as pollution concentrates around heavy traffic. Additionally, watch out for "urban canyons" of pollution, which can form around stationary traffic, especially at traffic lights. By being aware of the pollution levels on your road and taking simple precautions, you can maintain your health and well-being.
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The most polluted roads in London
London has some of the most polluted roads in the UK, with over 75% of the country's 800 roads with dangerous pollution levels being in the capital. In 2019, London was one of 33 air quality zones in the UK that exceeded the legal limit for nitrogen dioxide.
In 2014, Brixton Road in Lambeth had an average of 153 micrograms of nitrogen dioxide per cubic metre, and over 2001 hours above the 200-microgram limit. Oxford Street, which was once considered the world's most polluted street, had higher levels of nitrogen dioxide pollution in 2013, but Brixton Road was worse overall in 2014. Marylebone Flyover, near Edgware Road tube station, was revealed to be the worst spot in the country for nitrogen dioxide levels, with an average of 77mcg per cubic metre. Other roads with high levels of pollution include Kensington High Street, Euston Road, and Strand in central London, all of which were above 90μg/m3 in 2017.
London's air pollution has been linked to serious health problems, including asthma, dementia, heart disease, and miscarriage. In 2013, a nine-year-old girl, Ella Kissi-Debrah, died of an asthma attack after living 80ft from London's congested South Circular Road in Lewisham. An inquest found that her death was caused by exposure to excessive air pollution.
To combat air pollution, London's ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) will be expanded, charging older, more polluting vehicles £12.50 to enter an 18 times larger area than before. Mayor Sadiq Khan has also unveiled plans to introduce up to 60 air quality sensors to help runners and cyclists choose cleaner routes.
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Frequently asked questions
You can find out about the pollution levels on your road by using the UK air pollution forecast map provided by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra). You can search by town or postcode.
Marylebone Road and Hyde Park Corner have the most polluted postcodes in Britain. Brixton Road is also rated badly.
Other built-up areas and rural locations near motorways are also affected by high levels of pollution.
Air pollution has been linked to life-shortening lung and heart conditions, breast cancer, and diabetes. It is estimated that air pollution contributes to 40,000 early deaths per year in the UK.
You can reduce your exposure to air pollution by avoiding busy roads, walking on side roads, and sticking to the downhill side of the road when walking up a hill.
