Targets to reduce sulphur dioxide (SO2), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), ammonia and nitrogen oxides are all set to be missed, according to data from Defra.
Though there are several ways to measure air pollution, PM2.5 – tiny particles formed as a result of burning fuel and chemical reactions that take place in the atmosphere – are a commonly-used measure.
Because these particles are so small, they are considered dangerous to humans because they can bypass the nose and throat, lodging in lungs and causing long-term problems.
According to the latest data (collected in 2019) from Centre for Cities, these are the 10 areas in the UK with the highest concentrations of PM2.5 particles per 10,000 of the population.
. pjimage (8).jpg
The measures were made per 10,000 of the population. Photo: Shutterstock
. Swansea
The Welsh city of Swansea came out at the top of the PM2.5 scale per 10,000 of the population. Photo: Shutterstock
. Belfast
The city with the next highest PM2.5 pollution levels was Belfast, according to National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory data. Photo: Shutterstock
7. Portsmouth
Much further down south, Portsmouth also suffers from poor air quality, with air quality worse than London in certain areas. Photo: Shutterstock
8. Swindon
Air pollution-related deaths in Swindon are reportedly much higher than in other parts of the South West. In 2019, it ranked as the place with the eighth-highest level of PM2.5 pollution particles. Photo: Shutterstock
9. Aldershot
Aldershot, in Hampshire, had the ninth highest concentration per head. Photo: Shutterstock
10. Chatham
Over in Kent, Chatham also had high levels of PM2.5 pollution particles, ranking tenth in the UK per head. Photo: Shutterstock