Hillingdon Air Pollution Hits Highest Level

Air pollution levels in Hillingdon, west London, soared to the highest recorded band on Monday, driven by a combination of trapped emissions and particulate matter from fireworks and bonfires. The 24-hour average for fine particles (PM2.5) in the borough reached 129 micrograms per cubic metre, according to government monitoring.

This reading significantly exceeds the World Health Organization's daily guideline for PM2.5, which is 15 micrograms per cubic metre. The high levels were part of a wider trend across urban England, with 11 sites, predominantly in London and Greater Manchester, reaching the highest category on the government's 10-point particulate matter index. A further 27 sites recorded "high" levels across various regions.

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Factors Contributing to Pollution Spike

Jane Burston, CEO of the Clean Air Fund, stated that while monitoring networks cannot pinpoint exact sources, the pollution was likely linked to autumn celebrations. She explained that still, foggy weather conditions prevented emissions from dispersing, trapping them near ground level. This situation was exacerbated by particles from fireworks, bonfires, and Diwali celebrations over the preceding weekend.

Larissa Lockwood, director of campaigns at Global Action Plan, echoed these points, noting that domestic burning, transport, and industry normally contribute to particulate pollution. She added that when combined with seasonal activities like lighting log burners and fireworks, and then trapped by fog, these levels can become unhealthy.

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Health Implications and Alerts

Exposure to particulate matter is associated with serious health issues, including heart and lung disease and cancer. Burston advised that individuals with asthma or lung conditions would have found it particularly difficult to be outdoors, with potential for asthma attacks, coughing, and wheezing. She described the situation as dangerous for everyone, with some affected areas experiencing concentrations five to 10 times above normal annual levels.

In response to the elevated pollution, a spokesperson for the mayor of London announced that a high air pollution alert was issued for Tuesday 10 November. This alert was based on advice from forecasters at Imperial College London, who noted a sharp rise in pollution levels across London from Friday to Sunday, which remained high into Monday morning.

Calls for Action

Experts are calling for improved pollution forecasting, more accessible health alerts, and stronger measures to reduce emissions. Burston suggested that maintaining lower air quality levels throughout the year would make extreme spikes less likely during periods like Bonfire Night. Lockwood advocated for a public health campaign on air pollution and the implementation of "burn alerts" to discourage wood burner use during high pollution episodes.

A spokesperson for Clean Air Greater Manchester confirmed that higher particulate pollution levels are common around Bonfire Night, with weather conditions this year contributing to the accumulation of pollution near ground level. Information and health advice from Defra are available online.