Croydon has been highlighted as one of the worst in the UK for air quality.
New data from IQAir revealed the air quality in areas all over the UK in 2024.
Croydon ranked in at number 7 of IQAir’s list in areas with the worst air quality in the UK.
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, Croydon has a high level of particulate matter (PM2.5)
The data showed that in each month of 2024, Croydon exceeded the World Health Organisation's recommended 5μg/m³ (micrograms per cubic metre).
Micrograms refer to the tiny pollution particles in the air.
In 2023, Croydon had an average of 8.8μg/m³.
In January 2024, levels of particulate matter reached 11.45μg/m³, and was the second highest it reached for the year.
In February, levels dropped to 7.7μg/m³, before jumping to 10.7μg/m³ in March.
In April, the level of particulate matter dropped significantly to 5.5μg/m³ and was the lowest and closest to the World Health Organization’s recommended level of 5μg/m³.
In May, levels almost doubled to 10.1μg/m³.
This may have been due to increased traffic and warmer weather conditions, which can contribute to the build-up of pollutants in the air.
Levels fell to 9.4μg/m³ in June and dropped further in July to 5.5μg/m³.
The decline may be linked to improved weather conditions, reduced traffic during the school holidays, or short-term changes in local industrial activity.
But by August, levels began to increase, reaching 8.5μg/m³.
In September, levels dropped slightly to 8.5μg/m³, and slightly back up to 8.5μg/m³ in October.
In November, Croydon recorded its worst air quality of the year, with particulate matter levels soaring to 14.4μg/m³ — nearly triple July’s figure.
The spike may be attributed to colder weather prompting increased use of heating, heavier traffic, and events like Bonfire Night, which contribute significantly to short-term air pollution through fireworks and open burning.
By the Christmas season, levels dropped to more than half what they were in November to 7.1μg/m³.
The overall average of particulate matter in 2024 was 9.4μg/m³.
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."
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