High air pollution levels persist in the least advantaged areas of the West Midlands, prompting fresh initiatives to address the issue. The West Midlands Combined Authority’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee receives an update on the air quality program during its meeting on Monday, February 16.
Impacts of Recent Measures and Future Strategies
The update reviews the effects of actions taken in recent years and outlines plans for the coming period. Air pollution contributes to approximately 2,300 deaths annually in the region and worsens conditions like asthma, coronary heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer.
PM2.5 Sensors Track Tiny Pollutants
In 2025, authorities installed 90 sensors across the region to monitor PM2.5—microscopic particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers from sources such as wood burners, vehicle tires, construction sites, and factories. These sensors operate outside homes, schools, businesses, hospitals, and sports centers. Residents access real-time data via cleanair.wmca.org.uk.
Fluctuating Pollution Readings
Recent seven-day data shows PM2.5 concentrations varying significantly: 17 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) on February 4 and 5, dropping to 2 µg/m³ on February 7 and 8, rising to 13 µg/m³ on February 9 and 10, and falling to 6 µg/m³ on February 11. No safe PM2.5 level exists, though the Environment Act 2021 sets targets of 12 µg/m³ by 2028 and 10 µg/m³ by 2040—above the World Health Organization’s 5 µg/m³ guideline.
Worst-Affected Wards and Populations
Defra estimates reveal that annual average PM2.5 exceeds 10 µg/m³ in 72 of the region’s 192 wards, impacting 1.2 million people or 40% of the population. Central Birmingham, Coventry, Sandwell, and Walsall record the highest concentrations. Deprived areas suffer most due to heavy traffic and industrial activity.
Additional Initiatives and Future Plans
An air quality alert system notifies subscribers of medium-to-high pollution events. Efforts also target schools and engage local councillors and officers. The 2026–2030 Air Quality Implementation Plan is currently in procurement to evaluate current measures and support local authorities in driving improvements.
