Air quality in Waltham Forest

Air pollution is a serious public health issue. There has been progress in tacking the worst issue since the 1950s but air pollution still remains a major public health issue. A report for the Mayor of London estimated that over 9,000 Londoners died prematurely from long-term exposure to air pollution in 2010. As well as premature deaths, air pollution can cause or exacerbate respiratory diseases and other health conditions, affecting the quality of life for residents.

There are two main pollutants of concern:

1. particulate matter (PM)
2. nitrogen dioxide (NO2)

Road traffic is the main source of these pollutants, but building emissions and construction sites are other significant sources.

Find out more information about the health issues from air pollution:

• World Health Organization website
• Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs website