How is London Air Quality?
London air quality exceeded the WHO annual limits on nearly two-thirds of days in 2020. London air quality averaged over six times the daily recommended limit of dangerous PM2.5 pollutants on its worse day in 2020.
61% of Days in London More Polluted Than WHO Target
London’s daily air quality levels exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) annual limit on 61% of days from June of 2020 to June of 2021. Multiple days in London saw air pollution levels over 6 times the WHO recommended limit.
Current Air Quality in London
Why Is the Air Quality Bad Today in London?
Weather plays a big role in how the air quality is in London each day. The amount of sun can affect how much ozone there is, and wind and rain can affect PM2.5 and particulate air pollution to varying degrees.
Air pollution levels can change quickly, with levels often varying widely throughout the day. Data shows there even appears to be times of the day where air pollution tends to be lower compared to other times.
Below shows how PM2.5 air quality levels around the world tend to vary throughout the day. PM2.5 levels have a tendency to be slightly lower in the afternoon compared to other times of the day. But this is a general trend, London PM2.5 AQI levels will not follow this trend every day.
London Air Pollution: The Negative Health Effects
This analysis of London’s air quality is based on PM2.5 pollution. These are particles smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter that can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream.
Studies have shown that PM2.5 raises blood pressure, inflammation, and rates of heart attacks and strokes.
WATCH: Why Is PM2.5 So Harmful to Us?
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Protect Your Health in London
Despite the harms of PM2.5, placebo-controlled studies of air purifiers have found that removing particulate in the home has positive effects on blood pressure, inflammation, and immune response.
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