An aerial view of various building in London. There is a hazy sunset.

Health effects of air pollution

What the latest data reveals about air pollution

As part of our commitment to equitably improving air quality, we're sharing the latest insights from the London Atmospheric Emissions Inventory (LAEI), a crucial dataset that maps sources of air pollution across London.

Patrick Lee

Communications Manager

Kristupas Jucaitis

Data Analyst

This update demonstrates where air pollution comes from in London. This data is critical in understanding trends in air quality while helping policymakers and campaigners target the most effective interventions.

In the below data visualisation, you can analyse different sources, as defined by the London Atmospheric Emissions Inventory (LAEI), for three types of pollution: PM2.5, PM10, and nitrogen oxides (NOX).

What the new LAEI data tells us

The LAEI is the most detailed air pollution dataset of its kind in the UK, and one of the most comprehensive globally. It tracks emissions of key pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and breaks them down by source.

The latest LAEI update shows data from 2022. Headlines include:

Targeted interventions to reduce air pollution from certain sources have worked. The most pronounced declines seen in road transport emissions, where NOX emissions have reduced by over half (52%) since 2016.

The total contribution to PM2.5 from construction has gone up, from 7.6% to 8.8% in London (from 2019 to 2022)

the contribution from woodburning has gone down 16.7% in 2019 and it is 15.4% in 2022

Why this data matters

Air pollution is a public health crisis, particularly in urban areas like London. Every year, air pollution contributes to up to 43,000 deaths per year and costs the economy £27 billion. It’s linked to a range of serious conditions, from asthma and lung disease to heart attacks, dementia, cancer, and strokes.

At Impact on Urban Health, we work to reduce air pollution in the most equitable way possible, ensuring the greatest benefits for those most affected. Updated, accessible data is vital in making the case for action, helping city leaders, health professionals and communities demand cleaner, healthier air.

More from our health effects of air pollution programme

Health effects of air pollution

A park with trees and grass in the foreground. People are walking and running through the park. In the distance, the Shard and some buildings under construction are visible.

Our air, our voices: Co-creating clean air policy with young Londoners

We’re proud to support Asthma + Lung UK’s new campaign, which involves working with communities to better inform air pollution policy. In this article, Asthma + Lung UK explain the value of participatory policymaking.

Health effects of air pollution

People are walking down a street. On the other side, there is scaffolding and construction works taking place, with traffic cones on the road.

Using data to reduce air pollution from construction sites

The Air Pollution Risk Index tool identified areas where improving air quality could have the biggest benefit on people’s health.

Health effects of air pollution

A close up of wood being burned. Image credit: Photo by Aurora K on Unsplash

The Government’s backward step on wood-burning stoves puts public health and climate action at risk

The Government's decision to permit wood-burning stoves in new builds contradicts growing evidence about the harmful effects these stoves have on public health and the environment.