Bromley Ranks Among UK's Worst for Air Quality

Bromley has been identified as one of the poorest areas in the UK regarding air quality.

Fresh information provided by IQAir has unveiled the air quality across various regions of the UK for the year 2024.

In IQAir’s ranking, Bromley was placed seventh among the locations in the UK with the poorest air quality.

The state of the air, including the presence of pollutants, contaminants, and various elements that might impact human well-being and the natural surroundings, defines what we call air quality.

Here, Bromley exhibits a significant concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5).

The figures indicated that throughout every month of 2024, Bromley surpassed the threshold set by the World Health Organisation of 5μg/m³ for micrograms per cubic metre.

Micrograms refer to the tiny pollution particles in the air.

In 2023, Bromley saw an average concentration of 10.3μg/m³.

In January 2024, the concentration of particulate matter was recorded at 9.6μg/m³.

In February, the levels fell to 7.5μg/m³, then surged to 9.9μg/m³ in March.

In April, the concentration of particulate matter fell considerably to 6μg/m³, marking the lowest point and coming very close to the World Health Organization’s recommended threshold of 5μg/m³.

In May, the levels nearly doubled to reach 10.3μg/m³.

This could be attributed to higher traffic volumes and milder temperatures, factors that can lead to an accumulation of airborne contaminants.

Levels fell to 9.1μg/m³ in June and dropped further in July to 8.7μg/m³.

This decrease might be associated with better weather, less traffic due to school breaks, or temporary alterations in nearby industrial operations.

However, by August, the levels started to rise, hitting 10.4μg/m³.

In September, the levels rose marginally to 10.9μg/m³, before dipping slightly to 8.4μg/m³ in October.

In November, Bromley experienced its poorest air quality for the year, with particle concentrations spiking up to 13.8μg/m³ – over twice as high as what was measured in April.

This increase could be due to colder temperatures leading to more frequent use of heaters, busier roads, and occasions such as Bonfire Night, which substantially raise air pollution levels via fireworks and outdoor fires.

By the time Christmas arrived, the levels had fallen to slightly less than half of what they were in November, reaching 8.1μg/m³.

The general mean concentration of particulate matter for the year 2024 stood at 9.3μg/m³.

A representative from IQAir's Environmental Research Group stated: "Among various air pollutants, PM2.5 particles present the highest risk to human health."

PM2.5 particles are so tiny that they can only be observed using an electron microscope.

Owing to its minute dimensions, PM2.5 particles can penetrate deeply into the blood system when breathed in, potentially impacting all bodily cells.

Particulate matter 2.5 contributes to various forms of environmental harm, including degradation of materials and structures, acid rain, and heightened concentrations of ground-level ozone.

Particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometres can be carried vast distances via powerful winds, potentially reaching up to several hundred thousand miles from where they originate.

Particulate matter 2.5 can be transported to coastal areas and river systems, altering their nutrient composition.

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

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

Measures that can be implemented encompass reducing car usage, enhancing electrical and fuel efficiency, and restricting the combustion of wood or rubbish, along with numerous additional actions. ."