How do we monitor air quality in Tower Hamlets?

In order to improve the air quality in Tower Hamlets, it is essential that the Council has access to up-to-date and accurate data.

Precise air quality information allows accurate maps to be produced that in turn can be used to inform debate and target areas for improvement across the council and community.

Much of this data is provided by borough monitoring stations at these three permanent locations:

Poplar: this site was installed at Holy Family School in February 1994 to monitor background levels of fine particles (PM₁₀s), nitrogen dioxide, ozone and sulphur dioxide.

Mile End Road : in March 1994, this site was established at Queen Mary's College to monitor roadside levels of carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and hydrocarbons.

Bethnal Green Library: built in October 1999, this site monitors background levels of fine particles, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide.

Data from these stations is returned to a central information centre, which collates data from cross the capital. You can observe real-time pollution levels in your area here:

http://www.londonair.org.uk/london/asp/home.asp

Tower Hamlets continues to work to improve air quality in the borough. To read the Tower Hamlets air quality action plan (AQAP) go to:

http://www.thaq.info/downloads/Tower Hamlets Air Quality Action Plan.pdf