Edinburgh Air Quality 2025Real-Time PM2.5 Monitor & Pollution Data
Check Edinburgh air quality in real-time with live PM2.5, NO2, and traffic pollution monitoring for Scotland's capital. Expert guide to improving indoor air quality in your Edinburgh home.
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🏰 Edinburgh Air Pollution Overview
Edinburgh experiences moderate air pollution, primarily from traffic congestion on the A720 City Bypass, Princes Street, Lothian Road, and major approach routes. As Scotland's capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site, the city balances historic preservation with modern transport challenges affecting over 500,000 residents.
Key Edinburgh Pollution Sources
- • Traffic Emissions (50%): A720 City Bypass, A90 Queensferry Road, A1 east approach, Princes Street
- • NO₂ Hotspots: Waverley Bridge, St Andrew Square, Lothian Road, George Street
- • Public Transport Hubs: Bus stations at St Andrew Square and Waverley, airport traffic
- • Domestic Heating: Gas boilers, occasional coal fires in historic buildings (winter PM2.5)
Edinburgh vs UK Air Quality Standards
| Pollutant | WHO Guideline | Edinburgh Average | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 | 5 µg/m³ | 7-11 µg/m³ | ⚠️ Moderate |
| NO₂ | 10 µg/m³ | 18-25 µg/m³ | ⚠️ Moderate |
| UK DAQI | 1-3 (Low) | 3-5 (Low-Moderate) | ✓ Acceptable |
🫁 Health Impacts in Edinburgh
While Edinburgh's air quality is better than Glasgow, PM2.5 and NO₂ levels still exceed WHO guidelines, affecting respiratory health, cardiovascular function, and cognitive development in children.
Vulnerable Groups
- • Children under 5 (developing lungs)
- • Elderly residents (65+)
- • Asthma & COPD patients
- • Pregnant women
- • People with heart disease
Common Symptoms
- • Persistent cough
- • Shortness of breath
- • Headaches and fatigue
- • Aggravated allergies
- • Eye and throat irritation
💨 Improve Indoor Air Quality in Edinburgh
While you can't control outdoor pollution, you can create clean air indoors with MERV13/16 air purifiers delivering 5-6 air changes per hour (ACH).
✓ Recommended Solutions for Edinburgh Homes
🛠️ DIY Corsi-Rosenthal Box
- • Cost: £150-200
- • CADR: 525+ m³/h
- • Noise: 30-37 dB
- • Running cost: £23/year
- • Parts from Screwfix/B&Q
🏪 Ready-Made MERV Purifiers
- • Cost: From £200
- • MERV13/16 filtration (85-95% efficiency)
- • Quiet operation
- • Low maintenance
- • 2-year warranty
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the air quality in Edinburgh today?
Use our free real-time air quality monitor above to check current Edinburgh air quality. You will see live PM2.5, NO2, Universal AQI, and UK DAQI data for Edinburgh and Lothian, updated hourly from SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency) monitoring stations.
Is Edinburgh air pollution bad?
Edinburgh has moderate air pollution levels, lower than Glasgow but still exceeding WHO guidelines. Average PM2.5 levels are 7-11 micrograms per cubic metre (WHO recommends 5). Major pollution sources include the A720 City Bypass, Princes Street, Lothian Road, and the A1. NO2 hotspots exist around Waverley Bridge and St Andrew Square bus station.
When is Edinburgh air quality worst?
Edinburgh air quality is worst during weekday rush hours (7-9am, 5-7pm) due to traffic on the A720, A90, and city centre roads. Winter months see increased pollution from heating emissions and lower wind dispersion. The Edinburgh Festival period (August) also increases vehicle emissions. Worst pollution zones include Princes Street, Lothian Road, and areas near the A720 bypass.
How can I improve indoor air quality in Edinburgh?
Use MERV13/16 air purifiers to remove 85-95% of PM2.5, NO2, and traffic pollutants indoors. Aim for 5-6 ACH in bedrooms and living spaces. DIY Corsi-Rosenthal Boxes cost £150-200 with parts from local Screwfix or B&Q. Check our monitor before opening windows - only ventilate when outdoor AQI is below 50. Edinburgh's hilly terrain can trap pollution in valleys during temperature inversions.