Cambridge Air Quality 2025Real-Time Monitor - AQMA Revoked Success
Check Cambridge air quality in real-time with live PM2.5, NO2 monitoring. AQMA revoked January 2025 (5 years compliant). Working toward WHO 15 µg/m³, interim target 20 µg/m³ by 2029. 5 automatic monitors + 35+ diffusion tubes. Expert guide to improving indoor air quality in Cambridge.
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🏴 Cambridge Air Pollution Overview
Cambridge's AQMA was revoked January 2025 after 5 consecutive years meeting the 40 µg/m³ NO2 objective. All monitoring sites showed no exceedances. The Greater Cambridge Air Quality Strategy (adopted March 2024) targets WHO's 15 µg/m³ guideline, with interim target 20 µg/m³ by 2029.
Key Cambridge Air Quality Facts
- • AQMA Revoked: January 2025 - 5 consecutive years compliant
- • Monitoring Network: 5 automatic monitors + 35+ diffusion tubes
- • Traffic NO₂ Source: City centre buses main contributor, outer areas private cars
- • PM Challenge: Domestic burning (wood/coal) now overtaking traffic as primary PM10/PM2.5 source
Cambridge vs WHO Air Quality Targets
| Target | Standard | Current Status | Progress |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK Legal Limit | 40 µg/m³ NO2 (annual) | All sites compliant | ✅ Achieved (AQMA revoked) |
| Interim Target 2029 | 20 µg/m³ NO2 (annual) | In progress | 🎯 Working toward |
| WHO Guideline | 15 µg/m³ NO2 (annual) | Long-term goal | 🌟 Aspirational target |
Cambridge operates 5 automatic monitors + 35+ diffusion tubes tracking NO2, PM10, PM2.5. Traffic is primary NO2 source (city centre buses, outer areas cars). PM10/PM2.5 from domestic burning now overtaking traffic as primary particulate source.
🗺️ Check Nearby Locations
Compare air quality in nearby areas or explore other UK cities with live monitoring and pollution data.
🎯 5 Key Cambridge Air Quality Topics
1. AQMA Revocation Success - January 2025
Achievement: 5 consecutive years compliant, all sites below 40 µg/m³ NO2
Cambridge's Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) was officially revoked in January 2025 after demonstrating 5 consecutive years of full compliance with the UK's 40 µg/m³ NO2 legal limit. Every monitoring site across the city showed no exceedances, marking a major environmental health milestone.
2. Greater Cambridge Air Quality Strategy (March 2024)
Targets: WHO 15 µg/m³ guideline, interim 20 µg/m³ by 2029
The Greater Cambridge Air Quality Strategy adopted in March 2024 sets ambitious goals beyond UK legal requirements. The strategy targets the WHO guideline of 15 µg/m³ annual NO2 (much stricter than UK's 40 µg/m³), with an interim milestone of 20 µg/m³ by 2029. This demonstrates Cambridge's commitment to health-protective air quality standards.
3. Comprehensive Monitoring Network
Infrastructure: 5 automatic monitors + 35+ diffusion tubes
Cambridge operates a robust air quality monitoring network with 5 automatic monitoring stations plus over 35 nitrogen dioxide diffusion tubes strategically placed across Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire. The network provides comprehensive tracking of NO2, PM10, PM2.5, and other pollutants, enabling data-driven policy decisions.
4. Traffic as Primary NO2 Source
Contributors: City centre buses main source, outer areas private cars
Traffic remains the primary source of NO2 pollution in Cambridge. In the city centre, buses are the main contributor to nitrogen dioxide emissions. In outer residential areas, private cars are the dominant NO2 source. This traffic-pollution pattern drives Cambridge's ongoing efforts to promote cycling, public transport, and low-emission vehicles.
5. Domestic Burning PM Challenge
Emerging Issue: PM10/PM2.5 from wood/coal burning overtaking traffic
A significant shift is occurring in Cambridge's particulate pollution sources. PM10 and PM2.5 emissions from domestic wood and coal burning are now overtaking traffic as the primary source of particulate matter pollution. This highlights the need for public awareness about clean heating alternatives and proper wood stove operation to protect local air quality.
🌟 Cambridge's Path to WHO Standards
While Cambridge has achieved the UK legal limit of 40 µg/m³ NO2, the city is now working toward the more ambitious WHO guideline of 15 µg/m³ - a standard that prioritizes long-term health protection.
Greater Cambridge Air Quality Strategy Milestones
- ✅ January 2025: AQMA revoked after 5 years compliance
- ✅ March 2024: Greater Cambridge Air Quality Strategy adopted
- 🎯 By 2029: Achieve interim target of 20 µg/m³ NO2
- 🌟 Long-term: Reach WHO guideline of 15 µg/m³ NO2
The strategy recognizes that while legal compliance has been achieved, further reductions will deliver significant public health benefits. Current levels are below 40 µg/m³ across all monitoring sites, demonstrating strong progress toward these health-protective WHO standards.
💨 How to Protect Your Cambridge Home
MERV Air Purification for Cambridge
While Cambridge has achieved AQMA revocation, traffic and domestic burning still contribute to local air pollution. Cambridge residents should prioritize indoor air filtration to protect against PM2.5, NO2, and traffic pollutants. MERV13/16 filters remove 85-95% of these harmful pollutants.
Recommended ACH (Air Changes per Hour) for Cambridge Homes
- 🛏️ Bedrooms near traffic routes: 5-6 ACH
- 🏠 Living rooms (general): 4-5 ACH
- 👶 Children's rooms: 5-6 ACH (developing lungs more vulnerable)
- 🏡 Areas with wood burning neighbors: 6+ ACH (domestic burning PM2.5)
Air Purifier Options for Cambridge
🛠️ Corsi-Rosenthal Box (DIY)
Cost: £150-200
CADR: 200-400 m³/h
Parts: Available at local hardware stores
Perfect for Cambridge homes on a budget. Uses 4-5 MERV13 filters taped to a box fan. Effective for bedrooms and living spaces, especially for filtering domestic burning PM2.5.
⭐ CleanAirKits MERV Purifiers
Cost: From £149
CADR: 300-600 m³/h
Promo: STAROFFER (10% off)
Pre-built MERV purifiers designed for UK homes. Quieter than DIY, professional performance for Cambridge air quality challenges.
Shop MERV Purifiers →📊 Cambridge-Specific Air Quality Tips
- ✅ Check AQI before ventilating: Open windows when AQI < 50, run purifiers when AQI > 50
- ✅ Domestic burning awareness: PM2.5 from wood stoves now major source, purify indoors during evening hours
- ✅ Traffic timing: Avoid opening windows during rush hours on busy routes
- ✅ WHO target progress: While compliant, working toward 15 µg/m³ - indoor filtration helps achieve cleaner air
❓ Cambridge Air Quality FAQs
Why was Cambridge's AQMA revoked in January 2025?
Cambridge's Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) was revoked in January 2025 after achieving 5 consecutive years of compliance with the 40 µg/m³ NO2 objective. All monitoring sites across the city showed no exceedances of the legal limit. The Greater Cambridge Air Quality Strategy (adopted March 2024) continues working toward the more ambitious WHO guideline of 15 µg/m³ NO2, with an interim target of 20 µg/m³ by 2029.
What is Cambridge's monitoring network setup?
Cambridge operates 5 automatic monitoring stations plus 35+ nitrogen dioxide diffusion tubes across Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire. The network tracks NO2, PM10, PM2.5, and other pollutants. Traffic is the primary NO2 contributor (city centre buses, outer areas private cars), while PM10/PM2.5 from domestic burning is now overtaking traffic as the primary particulate source.
What are Cambridge's WHO air quality targets?
Cambridge is working toward the WHO guideline of 15 µg/m³ annual NO2 (stricter than UK's 40 µg/m³ legal limit). The interim target is 20 µg/m³ NO2 by 2029. Current levels are below 40 µg/m³ across all sites, demonstrating strong progress. The Greater Cambridge Air Quality Strategy (March 2024) outlines measures to reach these health-protective WHO standards.
How can I improve indoor air quality in Cambridge?
Use MERV13/16 air purifiers to remove 85-95% of PM2.5 and NO2 pollutants. Aim for 5-6 ACH in bedrooms and living spaces. While Cambridge achieved AQMA revocation (5 years compliant), traffic and domestic burning still contribute to local air pollution. Check outdoor AQI before opening windows - ventilate when AQI <50, run purifiers when AQI >50.