Camden tops UK air pollution rankings, WHO limits exceeded across London

Camden has the worst air quality in the UK, according to data from an interactive pollution map. The area covering Holborn, St Giles and Covent Garden recorded annual averages of 21 micrograms of PM2.5 and 34 micrograms of NO2, far above the World Health Organisation’s recommended limits of 5 and 15 micrograms respectively.

Imperial College London data, as reported by MyLondon, estimates air pollution contributes to 109 premature deaths in Camden each year. The borough’s Clean Air Action Plan, introduced in 2022, followed a campaign by Rosamund Kissi-Debrah, whose daughter died after repeated asthma attacks linked to poor air quality.

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London-wide breach of WHO guidelines

All London neighbourhoods exceed WHO air quality guidelines for both PM2.5 and NO2. Urban areas show the highest pollution levels, with NO2 particularly elevated. The worst-affected areas include Hatton Garden, Theobalds Road, King’s Cross and Bloomsbury North in Camden, as well as Barnsbury West and Pentonville in Islington.

Even the cleanest London neighbourhoods, such as Biggin Hill in Bromley and parts of New Addington in Croydon, record PM2.5 levels more than twice the WHO limit. The data, compiled by the Geographic Data Service, highlights the scale of the problem across the capital.

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Residents and campaigners react

“The air can be quite thick sometimes with pollution. I'm glad the council are trying to do something about it, but obviously something else needs to be done to make a difference.”

Lucas Shaw, Camden resident

Camden residents expressed concern about the findings. Lucas Shaw, who has lived in the borough for six years, told MyLondon he had noticed the air quality, particularly around Euston Road. Julie Oscars, another long-term resident, said the situation would worsen without intervention, adding that measures like the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) would become necessary.

The London Clean Air Initiative described the data as a ‘wake-up call’. A spokesperson said air pollution increases the risk of asthma, heart disease, stroke, dementia and lung cancer, with children, older people and those with existing health conditions most vulnerable. They called for continued investment in cleaner transport and greener neighbourhoods to protect public health.

Government response and next steps

A Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) spokesperson said poor air quality costs the NHS millions in treatments for lung conditions and asthma. The government has set new targets to reduce exposure to harmful particles by nearly a third by 2030. It is also reforming industrial permits and consulting on stricter standards for wood-burning appliances.

Camden Council’s Clean Air Action Plan remains in place, with efforts to meet WHO guidelines ongoing. The council has not yet announced additional measures in response to the latest data. It is unclear whether other London boroughs will introduce similar plans to address pollution levels.