Manchester Air Quality 2025Real-Time PM2.5 Monitor & Pollution Data
Check Manchester air quality in real-time with live PM2.5, NO2, and traffic pollution monitoring for Greater Manchester. Expert guide to improving indoor air quality in your Manchester home.
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🏙️ Manchester Air Pollution Overview
Manchester experiences moderate to high air pollution, primarily from traffic congestion on the M60, A56, Mancunian Way, and city centre roads. As Greater Manchester's urban core, the city faces daily pollution challenges affecting over 2.8 million residents.
Key Manchester Pollution Sources
- • Traffic Emissions (55%): M60 motorway, A56 Chester Road, Oxford Road corridor, Mancunian Way
- • NO₂ Hotspots: Piccadilly, Deansgate, Regent Road, Princess Parkway
- • Industrial Zones: Trafford Park, Salford Quays, Port of Manchester
- • Domestic Heating: Wood burners, gas boilers (winter PM2.5 spikes)
Manchester vs UK Air Quality Standards
| Pollutant | WHO Guideline | Manchester Average | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 (annual) | 5 μg/m³ | 10-14 μg/m³ | ⚠️ Exceeds WHO |
| NO₂ (annual) | 10 μg/m³ | 30-45 μg/m³ | ❌ High exceedance |
| PM10 (annual) | 15 μg/m³ | 16-20 μg/m³ | ⚠️ Moderate |
Worst Areas: Piccadilly, Oxford Road, Deansgate, Regent Road, Trafford Centre approach roads. Best Areas: Didsbury, Chorlton, Heaton Park, Sale.
⚠️ Health Impacts
Manchester's pollution causes an estimated 1,200 premature deaths annually in Greater Manchester, primarily from respiratory and cardiovascular disease.
- • Children: Asthma rates 20% higher near major roads
- • Vulnerable: Elderly, pregnant women, heart/lung patients
- • Long-term: Reduced lung function, dementia risk
✅ Indoor Solutions
Protect your Manchester home from traffic pollution, NO2, and PM2.5 with HEPA air purifiers:
Use monitor above. Only ventilate when AQI <50 (typically nights/weekends).
Target 5-6 ACH in bedrooms. DIY builds £50-100, commercial units £200-500.
Close windows 7-9am, 5-7pm during rush hour pollution spikes.
❓ Manchester Air Quality FAQs
What is the air quality in Manchester today?
Use our free real-time air quality monitor above to check current Manchester air quality. You will see live PM2.5, NO2, Universal AQI, and UK DAQI data for Greater Manchester, updated hourly from DEFRA monitoring stations.
Is Manchester air pollution bad?
Manchester experiences moderate to high air pollution, particularly in the city centre and along major roads like the M60, A56, and Mancunian Way. Average PM2.5 levels are 10-14 micrograms per cubic metre, exceeding WHO guidelines of 5. NO2 from traffic is a major concern, especially around Piccadilly and Deansgate.
When is Manchester air quality worst?
Manchester air quality is worst during morning rush hour (7-9am) and evening rush hour (5-7pm) due to traffic congestion. Winter months see worse pollution from heating emissions and temperature inversions. Trafford, Salford, and central Manchester experience highest pollution levels.
How can I improve indoor air quality in Manchester?
Use HEPA air purifiers to remove 99.97% of PM2.5, NO2, and traffic pollutants indoors. Aim for 5-6 ACH in bedrooms. DIY Corsi-Rosenthal Boxes cost £50-100 with parts from Screwfix or B&Q. Avoid opening windows during rush hours when outdoor AQI exceeds 50. Check our monitor before ventilating your home.
🛡️ Protect Your Manchester Home
Manchester traffic pollution affects indoor air quality. HEPA air purifiers reduce PM2.5 and NO2 by 60-95%, protecting your family from traffic fumes, allergies, and respiratory problems.
DIY Solutions (£50-200)
- ✓ Corsi-Rosenthal Box (1,000+ m³/h)
- ✓ Parts from Screwfix, Toolstation, B&Q
- ✓ 15-45 minute build time
- ✓ Manchester delivery available
Ready-Made Kits
- ✓ Pre-assembled HEPA purifiers
- ✓ Manchester delivery + 10% off (STAROFFER)
- ✓ 30-37dB quiet operation
- ✓ £20-40/year running costs