Newham in London had the highest level of air pollution in England in 2019, with a PM2.5 concentration of 13, 95.6% of which was manmade.placeholder image
Newham in London had the highest level of air pollution in England in 2019, with a PM2.5 concentration of 13, 95.6% of which was manmade.

These are the 10 UK areas with the worst air quality

By Sarah Wilson
24th Jun 2021, 12:01am

People living in more than 100 UK council areas are breathing dirty air that breaches a ‘safe’ limit for pollution set by the World Health Organisation (WHO) – above which increased deaths are likely.

Areas have been ranked by PM2.5 concentrations recorded in 2019 by the Department for Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra).

PM2.5 are solid or liquid particles with a diameter at least 30 times smaller than the width of a human hair. It can be naturally occurring, such as from sea spray or dust storms, or man made, from soot caused by burning fuels for transport, industry and heating.

This London borough had similarly high levels of air pollution, with a concentration of around 12.5%, with 95.4% manmade.

9. Tower Hamlets

This London borough had similarly high levels of air pollution, with a concentration of around 12.5%, with 95.4% manmade. Photo: Shutterstock

The levels of PM2.5 pollution in Redbridge sat at 12.4% in 2019. Around 95.3% of this was manmade.

10. Redbridge

The levels of PM2.5 pollution in Redbridge sat at 12.4% in 2019. Around 95.3% of this was manmade. Photo: Shutterstock

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Related topics:World Health OrganisationDEFRA
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