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
Fine particulate pollution (PM2.5) was 7.2 µg/m³ in 2024, down from 7.5 µg/m³ in 2023.
Trend
- Over the available record (2009–2024), it has ranged from 7.2 µg/m³ in 2024 to 12 µg/m³ in 2010.
- The most recent reading is the lowest in the available record.
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.
Generated from the published series — describes direction, magnitude and range only, with no editorial judgement or forecasts.
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