Surbiton has the worst air quality in south London

New data from IQAir revealed the air quality in Surbiton, Worcester Park, Erith, Norbury, Purley, Staines-upon-Thames, Croydon, and Wandsworth in 2023.

Air quality refers to the condition of the air, and the pollutants, contaminants, and other factors that can affect human health and the environment. 

In this case, Surbiton has the highest level of particulate matter (PM2.5)

The data showed that many areas exceeded the World Health Organisation's recommended 5μg/m³ (micrograms per cubic metre).

Micrograms refer to the tiny pollution particles in the air. 

Surbiton had an average of 13μg/m³ last year, with levels reaching 18.7μg/m³ in February 2023.

Worcester Park had an average of 12.6μg/m³, with its peak being in July 2023 at 13.4μg/m³. 

The area with the lowest average, but did still exceed the WHO's recommended level, was Norbury, which had an average of 7.9μg/m³ and a peak of 12.5μg/m³ in January 2023. 

Norbury did meet the recommended limit in July when its air quality level was 5μg/m³.

In December 2023, Surbiton still had the highest level of pollutants with 9.3μg/m³, whereas Wandsworth had the lowest level of 5.6μg/m³.

A spokesperson for Kingston Council, the council for Surbiton said: "Kingston is committed to reducing levels of particulate matter and other pollutants and our Air Quality Action Plan sets out the steps that we are taking to achieve reductions. 

"The source of data in this case for Surbiton (IQAir) appears to be a single point monitor and results should not be considered representative of the whole area.

"Monitoring and data modelling has shown that the legal target for particulate matter (PM2.5) is broadly met across Kingston, including Surbiton, and has consistently been met for several years.

"In addition, we are meeting the WHO interim target of 15 µg/m3, and in many areas, approaching the final interim target of 10 µg/m3.

"Working toward a greener future, which protects and enhances the environment, is a key priority for the council.

"We know that there is still work to be done and we all have a responsibility to do what we can to reduce the emissions we are responsible for."

A spokesperson from IQAir's Environmental Research Group said: "Of all air pollution measures, PM2.5 pollution poses the greatest health threat.

"PM2.5 particles are so small they can only be seen with an electron microscope.

"Due to its small size, PM2.5 can be absorbed deep into the bloodstream upon inhalation, and can affect every cell in the body.

"PM2.5 causes environmental harm in several ways, such as damage of materials and buildings, acid deposition, and increased ozone levels.

"PM2.5 pollution can travel long distances through strong winds, up to hundreds of thousands of miles from their source.

"PM2.5 can be carried to coastal waters and river basins, where they change the nutrient balance.

"When particle pollution settles on crops and forests, it can damage the vegetation.

"People can help limit particulate matter emissions in their own lives.

"Actions that can be taken include driving less frequently, improving electricity and fuel efficiency, and limiting wood or trash burning, among countless other actions."

Jemima Hartshorn, founder of Mums for Lungs, said: "The levels of PM2.5 we are breathing across London and indeed many parts of the country are incredibly harmful to health.

"Essentially PM2.5 are the tiniest of bits that we breathe in with the air and are too small to be filtered out by our lungs and therefore they find their way into the blood stream and can settle anywhere in our body.

"Particles have been found in brains and placentas and of course, our bodies are reacting strongly to these foreign bodies.

"The main sources of PM2.5 in south east London are road transport, in particular diesel vehicles and wood burning.

"So really we can all help to reduce the pollution in the air we all share and breathe by driving less and burning less and only for very dry wood on extra special occasions.

"Mums for Lungs is a grassroots network of people from all walks of life (not just mums) who are campaigning across the country against air pollution due to the huge health impact breathing toxic air has on children and adults too.

"Asthma, lung cancer, stunted lung growth and even cardiac issues, as well as dementia, can be caused or linked to air pollution. 

"Join us – together we can fight for clean air and healthy kids."