An area of Birmingham has been identified as one of the most polluted locations in England, where residents are exposed to harmful air quality. New data reveals that fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide levels in Aston Park exceed the safe limits set by the World Health Organisation (WHO). This makes it the most polluted area in the West Midlands and one of the worst in the country, according to the study.
Pollution Levels in Aston Park
Residents in Aston Park are breathing in 17 micrograms of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which is more than three times the WHO recommended limit of five. Nitrogen dioxide levels were recorded at 22.4, more than double the WHO limit of 10. These figures highlight the severity of air pollution in this part of Birmingham.
Large parts of Birmingham also have above-average pollution levels, as do areas in the Black Country such as Walsall and West Bromwich. An interactive map allows residents to check pollution levels in their own neighbourhoods.
Health Risks and National Impact
Fine particulate matter is particularly harmful because these microscopic particles can bypass the body's natural defences and travel deep into the lungs and bloodstream, posing serious health risks. The study found that 99% of neighbourhoods in Britain had PM2.5 levels above the recommended amount, and 51% had excess levels of nitrogen dioxide.
Urban areas are the worst affected, seeing significantly higher levels of both pollutants, especially nitrogen dioxide, compared to rural neighbourhoods. This highlights the disproportionate impact of air pollution on city dwellers.
Expert and Government Responses
Jonathan Blades, head of policy and public affairs at Asthma + Lung UK, said: “It’s unacceptable that communities across the UK are being exposed to unsafe levels of air pollution, which is linked to up to 43,000 deaths across the UK every year. This will be especially worrying for the 12 million people living with a lung condition who are particularly vulnerable to the impact of poor air quality. These statistics show that current UK guidelines on air pollution are outdated and failing to protect our communities.”
A Defra spokesperson said: “Poor air quality robs people of their health and costs the NHS millions in extra treatments for lung conditions and asthma. That is why the government remains committed to improving air quality to deliver benefits for public health, the environment, and the economy.”
