Why we need cleaner air
Air pollution facts and figures
1,737
schools in areas double World Health Organisation guidelines for nitrogen dioxide or PM2.5, or both
305,000
more electric vehicles were registered in the UK, compared to the year before
£20 billion
how much air pollution costs the UK economy every year
What causes air pollution?
What are the types of air pollution?
We’re most concerned about three types of air pollutant that cause health problems:
Particulate matter (PMs). The most dangerous tiny particles of air pollution are linked to heart and lung disease, and can trigger heart attacks and strokes.
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2). High levels of the toxic gas NO2 can cause a flare-up of asthma or symptoms such as coughing and difficulty breathing.
Ground level ozone (O3). Ground level ozone can irritates the eyes, nose and throat.
Air pollution hotspots in England and Wales
Enter your postcode in the box on the map to see what’s going on in your area.
If you’re keen to work on improving air pollution where you live, see if there’s a group you can join in your area.