Ellie Ames 12 December 2023

Air pollution in most high streets exceeds guidelines, study finds

Air pollution in most high streets exceeds guidelines, study finds image
Image: Marco Rubino / Shutterstock.com

Most of Britain’s biggest high streets have air pollution levels above World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations, according to a new study.

Sustainable energy business GRIDSERVE conducted air pollution spot checks in 25 towns and cities across Britain to test the levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5).

Exposure to PM2.5 can provoke stroke, lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the WHO has said.

Just six of the 25 high streets in the study had an average reading of 5 µg/m3 or lower of particulate matter, the limited specified by the WHO.

The average reading was 7.2 µg/m3, with the highest average levels in Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle, and Leicester.

Glasgow and Edinburgh had the lowest levels of particulate matter. Scotland was the first country in Europe to adopt the WHO recommended limit for particulate matter in 2016.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Community Support Worker

Essex County Council
£25395.0000 - £32131.0000 per annum
The Role As a Community Support Worker, your role will include undertaking Assessments and Reviews in line with our Statutory duties under the Care England, Essex, Clacton-On-Sea
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Technician - Maintenance

Essex County Council
£31001.0000 - £36471.0000 per annum
Essex Highways is responsible for managing and maintaining one of the largest highway networks in the country
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Repairs Co-Ordinator

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Be the heart of our community - help us keep homes safe, warm and well-maintained.At the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC), we believe th England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Museums Operations Manager

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band F, SCP26 - 31 (£36,124 - £40,476) per annum
Sandwell Museums is looking for an experienced and motivated Operations Manager Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Regulation and Compliance Assistant - WMF2056e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£31,067 - £31,586 pro rata
This is an exciting opportunity for you to join the Licensing Team within Westmorland and Furness Council Penrith, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council
Linkedin Banner