Glasgow trends

Trends in estimated mean concentrations of manmade (anthropogenic) PM2.5 at sites in Glasgow, 2015 - 2022
click on graph to expand

Annual mean PM_2.5 concentrations at all the recording sites in Glasgow have remained below the Air Quality Objective of 10 µg m^-3 since recording started in 2015.

Note

In 2016 Scotland opted to make its annual mean PM_2.5 objective more stringent by reducing it from 12 µg m^-3 to 10 µg m^-3 in line with the World Health Organization guideline.

Current evidence suggests that there is no safe level of particulate matter in terms of human health effects. PM_2.5, fine particles can be carried deep into the lungs where they can cause inflammation and a worsening of the condition of people with heart and lung diseases. They may also carry harmful compounds, absorbed on their surfaces, into the lungs.

The Scottish Government's air quality policy: Cleaner Air for Scotland 2 - Towards a Better Place for Everyone

A Low Emission Zone (LEZ) came into force in Glasgow City Centre on 1 June 2023. This means all vehicles entering the city centre zone need to meet specific pollution emission standards or face a penalty charge. There are further details on the Glasgow LEZ in this blog.

This page was updated in July 2023.