Air Pollution Measurements in London
Map of current air pollution in London
Air pollution is made up of a mixture of gases and particles from natural and man made sources. The sources, health effects and chemical behavior of each separate pollutant are different, making the task of understanding and controlling air pollution complex.
There are eight main pollutants of concern - carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ground level ozone (O3), particulate matter (PM10), sulphur dioxide (SO2), hydrocarbons, 1,3 butadiene and lead.
Once these pollutants have been released, the weather dictates their concentration in the atmosphere. During wet or windy conditions pollution concentrations remain low, either blown away and dispersed, or removed by rain. During stable conditions pollution concentrations are able to build up; leading to pollution 'episodes'.