Council launches clean air campaign after report reveals ‘no safe’ level of pollution in borough

A council has launched a clean air programme after revealing that more than 74 early deaths in the borough can be attributed to man-made air pollution.

Hammersmith and Fulham council has partnered up with Imperial College London’s Environmental Research Group (ERG) and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust under the scheme Better Air, Better Health.

Set to raise awareness of air quality in the borough and help residents reduce their exposure to pollution, the scheme was launched at Imperial College London’s White City campus in Wood Lane on February 9.

The scheme comes after the council’s 2023 air quality report revealed there was no “safe” level of pollution in the borough, with levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exceeding the annual average World Health Organisation (WHO) Air Quality Standards of 10 µg/m3.

Between 74 and 83 early deaths in Hammersmith and Fulham can be attributed to man-made air pollution. This is the eighth highest level in London, according to King’s College London. 

Professor Frank Kelly, Director of the ERG, said: “Even though air quality has improved in recent decades, it is still affecting the health of all residents, especially children and those with pre-existing health problems.

“We welcome and applaud Hammersmith and Fulham’s ambition to improve air quality in the borough and to reduce the health burden that currently exists and is putting pressure on the NHS.”

Pictured top: Professor Frank Kelly, Director of Imperial College London’s Environmental Research Group, at the launch on February 9 (Picture: Hammersmith and Fulham council)