Air pollution in Southwark - our new flyer
18th May 2026
Our new flyer details the levels of air pollution in the London borough of Southwark and offers ideas for tackling it. The number one option is - join us to campaign! We’d love to have you involved - contact us to find out how.
If you’ve come here via the QR code on the flyer, scroll down to find out the sources of the information.
HOW TOXIC IS SOUTHWARK’S AIR?
Levels of both nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter in Southwark exceed World Health Organization guidelines - putting children, older people and those with existing health conditions at greatest risk. Air pollution contributes to thousands of early deaths in London every year.
AIR POLLUTION HARMS THE WHOLE BODY
Air pollution has been linked to diseases affecting almost every organ system in the body. These include asthma, heart disease, diabetes, strokes, dementia, and breast, lung and prostate cancers. Studies also show that air pollution can affect children’s concentration, learning and exam performance.
CHILDREN ARE ESPECIALLY VULNERABLE
Children are affected by air pollution from before birth and throughout their lives. Breathing dirty air during pregnancy is linked to premature birth and low birth weight, while children growing up in highly polluted areas are more likely to have reduced lung growth.
In 2024, 10,000 children with serious breathing problems were admitted to or taken to A&E at King’s College and Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals.
INFORMATION FROM THE BACK PAGE
Write to your councillor and MP about air pollution - head here to find our template letter.
Domestic burning is a major source of particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution in the UK.
Pollution inside a car can be many times higher than outside.
Read more about idling, and order free flyers.
Rethinking deliveries - diesel vans are now the biggest road source of NOx emissions in central London.