London issues high air pollution alert as PM2.5 levels cross WHO limit by 8 times

London Mayor Sadiq Khan issued a high air pollution alert for the capital urging residents to take precautions.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has issued a high air pollution alert for the capital on Tuesday, November 10, urging residents, particularly vulnerable people, to take precautions and minimise their exposure to polluted air.The Mayor advised people to follow health guidance, switch off vehicle engines when idling and avoid burning garden waste, warning that such activities contribute to air pollution.

According to The Guardian, the air pollution reached very high levels across several urban areas of England on Monday, as calm winds and foggy conditions prevented pollutants from dispersing following a weekend of fireworks, bonfires and Diwali celebrations.Government air quality monitoring data showed that 11 locations, largely across London and Greater Manchester, recorded the highest category on the 10-point particulate matter pollution index during the 24 hours up to 10 am. Another 27 monitoring stations reported “high” pollution levels across London, the north-west, the Midlands, Yorkshire and eastern England.The worst reading was recorded in Hillingdon, west London, where the 24-hour average concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) reached 129 micrograms per cubic metre.

This was more than eight times the World Health Organization's recommended daily guideline. Several north-western locations, including Manchester Piccadilly, Wigan, Blackburn, Preston and Rochdale, also registered “very high” pollution levels.

Experts call for restrictions on wood burning

Larissa Lockwood, director of campaigns at global action plan, said the surge in pollution was expected during a period when households light wood-burning stoves, organise bonfires and celebrate with fireworks.She explained that emissions from these activities add to existing pollution generated by transport and industrial activity. Foggy weather further compounds the problem by preventing pollutants from dispersing.According to Lockwood, domestic burning and transport are among the largest contributors to particulate pollution.She called for a public awareness campaign highlighting the health consequences of poor air quality, along with the introduction of “burn alerts” advising people in towns and cities to avoid using wood burners when pollution levels are elevated.Lockwood also urged authorities to gradually eliminate non-essential burning in urban areas to prevent repeated episodes of unhealthy air pollution.