Camden goes the extra mile in air quality

Camden Council are setting the trend in combating air quality, going beyond the demands of EU law and instead pledging to meet those of the World Health Organisation.

WHO argues there is a potential risk to health if PM2.5 levels exceed an annual mean of 10 μg/m3, and PM10 exceeds 20 μg/m3.

These limits are distinct from those set by the EU’s Air Quality Directive, which sets a limit of 25 μg/m3 for PM2.5 and 40 μg/m3 objective for PM10.

The EU’s limits are currently met in Camden. However, we need to be aware of the changing circumstances which could increase pollution and harmful particulates from tyre and break wear, in addition to major construction projects such as HS2 and potentially Crossrail2.

Councillor Adam Harrison claims that the EU’s limits suggest to the public that these levels of particulates are acceptable — when in fact, they can be incredibly harmful.

“Cleaning up London’s air is one of the major challenges of our era. To really make progress, we need to be honest about how serious the problem is and then collectively throw all our weight and efforts behind driving air pollution right down… There is no safe level of Particulate Matter, but there are many more things that we can do.”

As a BID we are working on green infrastructure projects, planting schemes and the introduction of electrical charging points. A holistic approach to the issue of pollution is necessary; green infrastructure and cleaner vehicles must be paired with raising awareness and changing behaviour. Where better to start the trend than Camden? We have the huge levels of traffic and major construction projects that make this a mammoth challenge, but we also have the natural and beautiful assets that make it possible.