Air pollution is a major concern for our residents, which is why we created a resident-led Air Quality Commission to see how we can solve this deadly problem.
Together with the commission, we're doing everything we can to drive down pollution and boost air quality.
We are:
- creating an expansive network of electric vehicle charging points to make it easy to make non-polluting journeys
- the first London borough to launch an electric car club
- fighting plans for expansion of Heathrow Airport
- pioneering new air-cleaning technology
- making it easier and safer to cycle across the borough
- adding greenery and foliage to reduce pollutants.
Nearly one in seven early deaths (15 per cent) in Hammersmith & Fulham are attributed to nitrogen dioxide air pollution – the eighth highest level in London according to King's College London. A further 8.1 per cent of early deaths per year are attributed to small particulate matter.
If Heathrow expansion goes ahead, the fight against air pollution is going to get tougher.
Thanks to our monitoring in Hammersmith & Fulham, you can gain a more detailed understanding of the air quality near you. View current pollution levels in the borough and across London on the London Air website.
Causes and effects
The main source of air pollution is traffic, followed by gas boilers and construction work. The main pollutants include nitrogen dioxide (NO2) as well as tiny particles (PM10).
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) can:
- inflame the airways
- cause breathing difficulties
- and worsen asthma.
Tiny particles (PM10) are invisible to the naked eye, but can harm the heart and lungs and are linked to asthma and early death.
You can find out more about the levels of air pollution in your area on the air quality and monitoring page.