Islington Air Quality 2026Real-Time PM2.5 Monitor & 140+ Monitoring Sites
Check Islington air quality in real-time with live PM2.5, NO2, and traffic pollution monitoring. Holloway Road hotspot data. 140+ monitoring sites across the borough. Expert guide to improving indoor air quality in your Islington home.
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🏛️ Islington Air Pollution Overview
Islington operates one of London's most comprehensive air quality monitoring networks with 140+ monitoring sites across the borough. Major pollution hotspots include Holloway Road, Upper Street, Angel, and Old Street. The borough is fully within the ULEZ zone (£12.50 daily charge since Aug 2023) which has driven significant NO2 reductions.
Key Islington Pollution Sources
- • Holloway Road: Major A1 arterial route with heavy bus and traffic emissions
- • Upper Street: Popular shopping/dining area with constant delivery and taxi traffic
- • Angel Junction: High traffic volume intersection creating NO2 hotspot
- • Old Street: Tech hub boundary with City of London, elevated commercial traffic
Islington vs UK Air Quality Standards
| Pollutant | WHO Guideline | Islington Status | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 (annual) | 5 µg/m³ | ~10-12 µg/m³ average | Above WHO |
| NO₂ (annual) | 40 µg/m³ (UK legal limit) | Holloway Road elevated | Hotspots exceed |
| PM10 (annual) | 15 µg/m³ | Generally compliant | Meets limits |
Islington's 140+ monitoring sites provide comprehensive coverage. ULEZ enforcement has driven improvements, but Holloway Road and Upper Street corridors still require attention.
🗺️ Check Nearby Locations
Compare air quality in nearby areas or explore other UK cities with live monitoring and pollution data.
🚗 Major Islington Pollution Hotspots
1. Holloway Road (A1)
Pollution Level: Elevated NO2 - major traffic corridor
Islington's worst pollution hotspot. The A1 arterial route carries heavy bus traffic and commuter vehicles toward central London. Narrow road canyon effect traps emissions between tall buildings.
2. Upper Street
Pollution Level: Moderate-high NO2 from constant traffic
Popular shopping and dining destination with continuous delivery vehicles, taxis, and buses. High footfall area means constant vehicle stopping/starting creates elevated emissions.
3. Angel Junction
Pollution Level: Traffic intersection hotspot
Major junction where multiple roads converge creates congestion and elevated pollution. Angel tube station area experiences high traffic volumes throughout the day.
4. Old Street Roundabout
Pollution Level: Elevated at boundary with City of London
Tech hub "Silicon Roundabout" area with significant commercial and commuter traffic. Ongoing infrastructure improvements aim to reduce congestion and emissions.
🚶 Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) Impact
Islington has implemented multiple Low Traffic Neighbourhoods to reduce rat-running through residential streets. LTNs use bollards, cameras, and one-way systems to push through-traffic onto main roads.
LTN Monitoring Results
- ✅ Residential streets: Significant pollution reduction inside LTN areas
- ✅ 140+ monitoring sites: Comprehensive data tracking LTN effectiveness
- ⚠️ Boundary roads: Some displacement to main corridors like Holloway Road
- 📊 Ongoing monitoring: Borough continues to assess and adjust LTN boundaries
The 140+ monitoring sites network enables evidence-based assessment of LTN impact on air quality across residential and main road areas.
💨 How to Protect Your Islington Home
MERV Air Purification for Islington Traffic Pollution
Islington residents near Holloway Road, Upper Street, Angel, or Old Street should prioritize indoor air filtration. MERV13/16 filters remove 85-95% of PM2.5 and traffic pollutants.
Recommended ACH (Air Changes per Hour) for Islington Homes
- 🛏️ Bedrooms near traffic hotspots: 5-6 ACH (Holloway Road, Upper Street)
- 🏠 Living rooms (LTN areas): 3-4 ACH (improved residential air)
- 👶 Children's rooms: 6+ ACH (developing lungs more vulnerable)
- 🏢 Flats near Angel/Old Street: 4-5 ACH (junction pollution)
DIY Air Purifier Options for Islington
🛠️ Corsi-Rosenthal Box (DIY)
Cost: £150-200
CADR: 200-400 m³/h
Parts: Available at local Screwfix, B&Q
Perfect for Islington homes on a budget. Uses 4-5 MERV13 filters taped to a box fan. Effective for bedrooms near Holloway Road or Upper Street.
⭐ CleanAirKits MERV Purifiers
Cost: From £149
CADR: 300-600 m³/h
Pre-built MERV purifiers designed for UK homes. Quieter than DIY, professional performance.
Shop MERV Purifiers →📊 Islington-Specific Air Quality Tips
- ✅ Check 140+ monitoring sites data: Real-time borough-wide information
- ✅ Rush hour avoidance: Keep windows closed 7-9am, 5-7pm on main roads
- ✅ LTN benefit: Residential streets have cleaner air than main corridors
- ✅ ULEZ impact: Air quality improving, but monitor daily for spikes
❓ Islington Air Quality FAQs
What is the air quality in Islington today?
Use our free real-time air quality monitor above to check current Islington air quality. You will see live PM2.5, NO2, Universal AQI, and UK DAQI data, updated hourly. Islington's 140+ monitoring sites provide comprehensive coverage across the borough.
Is Islington air pollution bad?
Islington has moderate air pollution with hotspots on Holloway Road, Upper Street, and Angel junction. The borough operates 140+ monitoring sites - one of London's largest networks. ULEZ enforcement (£12.50 daily since Aug 2023) has driven improvements. Low Traffic Neighbourhoods have improved residential streets, but main corridors remain elevated.
When is Islington air quality worst?
Islington air quality is worst during weekday rush hours (7-9am, 5-7pm) on Holloway Road, Upper Street, and at Angel junction. The 140+ monitoring sites track hourly changes. LTN residential areas have cleaner air than main road corridors.
How can I improve indoor air quality in Islington?
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 near main roads. Check our monitor and Islington's 140+ sites data before opening windows - only ventilate when outdoor AQI is below 50.