Fine particulate pollution (PM2.5)
Annual mean concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in µg/m³. The WHO guideline is 5 µg/m³.
7.2 µg/m³
-4.0% vs 2023
As of 2024
Historical trend
Trend summary
Annual mean PM2.5 concentration at urban background monitoring sites in England was 7.2 µg/m³ in 2024, above the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³ but down substantially from 12–14 µg/m³ in the early 2010s.
Trend
- Urban background PM2.5 concentrations fell from 13.7 µg/m³ in 2011 to 7.2 µg/m³ in 2024, a reduction of approximately 47%.
- A sharp fall occurred in 2015 as coal combustion in homes and industry declined; a further step-down in 2020 reflects pandemic-related reductions in road traffic and industry.
- Reductions have been driven by declining industrial, domestic combustion, and road transport emissions; wood-burning stoves have partially offset gains in some urban areas.
Context
- DEFRA Air Quality Statistics (fig06) report annual mean PM2.5 at urban background monitoring sites across England; this is the standard measure for population exposure.
- The WHO PM2.5 guideline of 5 µg/m³ was tightened in 2021; UK regulations require an annual mean below 10 µg/m³ by 2040 in England.
Commentary contains no editorial judgement — describes direction, magnitude, and official projections only.
OECD comparison
🇨🇦 Canada
6.4 µg/m³
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
7.2 µg/m³
🇺🇸 United States
7.9 µg/m³
🇩🇪 Germany
10 µg/m³
🇫🇷 France
11 µg/m³
🇯🇵 Japan
11 µg/m³
🇮🇹 Italy
15 µg/m³