Swansea Air Quality 2025Real-Time Monitor - Wales' Cleanest Air Quality Zone
Check Swansea air quality in real-time with live PM2.5, NO2 monitoring. Only Welsh zone meeting 40 µg/m³ NO2 legal limit (2020). PM2.5 4-6 µg/m³ excellent performance. Expert guide to improving indoor air quality in Swansea.
Live Air Quality
Powered by Google Air Quality API • 100% Free
🏴 Swansea Air Pollution Overview
Swansea has Wales' best air quality performance, being the only Welsh zone to achieve the 40 µg/m³ NO2 legal limit in 2020. The city records the lowest NO2 levels of any Welsh air quality zone. Current PM2.5 levels are 4-6 µg/m³ - excellent performance close to WHO's 5 µg/m³ guideline. Monitoring stations at Landore, Morriston, and Cwm Level Park track pollution continuously. Swansea is working toward Wales Clean Air Framework Environment Act 2024 PM2.5 targets by 2027.
Key Swansea Air Quality Achievements
- • Wales' Best NO2: Only Welsh zone achieving 40 µg/m³ legal limit (2020)
- • Lowest in Wales: Best NO2 performance of any Welsh air quality zone
- • PM2.5 4-6 µg/m³: Excellent performance, close to WHO 5 µg/m³
- • Wales Clean Air Framework: Environment Act 2024 PM2.5 targets by 2027
Swansea vs UK Air Quality Standards
| Pollutant | WHO Guideline | Swansea Level | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 (annual) | 5 µg/m³ | 4-6 µg/m³ (current) | Excellent |
| NO₂ (annual) | 40 µg/m³ (UK legal limit) | Met 40 µg/m³ (2020) | Wales' best |
| Wales Ranking | Best performance | Lowest NO2 in Wales | Wales leader |
Swansea is Wales' air quality leader: only zone meeting 40 µg/m³ NO2 limit (2020), lowest NO2 levels in Wales, PM2.5 4-6 µg/m³ excellent performance approaching WHO guideline.
🗺️ Check Nearby Locations
Compare air quality in nearby areas or explore other UK cities with live monitoring and pollution data.
🏆 Swansea's Wales-Leading Air Quality Performance
1. Achieved 40 µg/m³ NO2 Legal Limit (2020) - Only Welsh Zone
Achievement: Only Welsh air quality zone to meet 40 µg/m³ NO2 legal limit
Swansea is the only Welsh air quality zone that achieved the 40 µg/m³ NO2 legal limit in 2020, making it Wales' air quality leader. While Cardiff, Newport, and other Welsh cities struggled with NO2 exceedances, Swansea succeeded through effective traffic management, cleaner vehicle fleets, and beneficial coastal wind dispersion. This exceptional performance positions Swansea as Wales' cleanest city for nitrogen dioxide pollution.
2. Lowest NO2 Levels of Any Welsh Air Quality Zone
Performance: Best NO2 performance across all Welsh monitoring zones
Swansea records the lowest NO2 levels of any Welsh air quality zone, outperforming Cardiff, Newport, Wrexham, and all other Welsh cities. This leadership comes from favorable geography (coastal winds disperse pollution), effective urban planning, and natural fleet improvements as older vehicles are replaced. Swansea demonstrates that Welsh cities can achieve excellent air quality without requiring Clean Air Zone charges.
3. PM2.5 4-6 µg/m³ Current - Excellent Performance
Level: PM2.5 4-6 µg/m³ (WHO guideline 5 µg/m³)
Current PM2.5 levels of 4-6 µg/m³ are excellent, very close to WHO's 5 µg/m³ annual guideline. This is significantly better than UK average and comparable to Norwich (4 µg/m³) and Brighton (6-11 µg/m³). The 4-6 µg/m³ range demonstrates Swansea's clean coastal air quality. Coastal location provides beneficial wind dispersion reducing PM2.5 accumulation. Among the best PM2.5 performance in the UK.
4. Landore, Morriston, Cwm Level Park Monitoring Stations
Network: Key monitoring locations tracking Swansea air quality
Swansea operates monitoring stations at Landore, Morriston, and Cwm Level Park providing comprehensive air quality data. These stations track NO2, PM2.5, PM10, and other pollutants enabling precise understanding of Swansea's air quality. The monitoring network confirmed Swansea's status as Wales' only zone meeting NO2 legal limits and tracks the excellent PM2.5 4-6 µg/m³ performance. Data feeds into Wales Clean Air Framework planning.
5. Wales Clean Air Framework - Environment Act 2024 PM2.5 Targets
Framework: National targets for PM2.5 by 2027
The Wales Clean Air Framework, established by the Environment Act 2024, sets PM2.5 targets for Welsh cities to achieve by 2027. Swansea is already performing excellently with PM2.5 4-6 µg/m³, close to WHO's 5 µg/m³ guideline, positioning the city well ahead of Framework requirements. The Act establishes Wales-specific air quality standards recognizing health impacts of pollution. Swansea's leadership demonstrates achievability of ambitious Clean Air Framework targets.
📈 Swansea's Air Quality Leadership
Swansea's Wales-leading air quality performance demonstrates how coastal cities can achieve exceptional results through effective management and favorable geography.
✅ Wales' Best Performance
- • Only Welsh zone met 40 µg/m³ NO2 (2020)
- • Lowest NO2 of any Welsh zone
- • PM2.5 4-6 µg/m³ (excellent, ~WHO 5)
- • No Clean Air Zone needed
- • Coastal wind dispersion benefits
🎯 Wales Framework
- • Environment Act 2024 targets
- • PM2.5 goals by 2027
- • Swansea already leading
- • Monitoring at Landore/Morriston
🏠 Protect Your Health: Indoor Air Quality Solutions
While Swansea has Wales' best outdoor air quality (PM2.5 4-6 µg/m³, NO2 compliant), indoor air filtration provides additional protection and consistency.
Recommended Solutions
- MERV13-16 Air Purifiers: Remove 85-95% of PM2.5 and remaining pollutants. Target 5-6 air changes per hour (ACH) in bedrooms and living rooms.
- DIY Corsi-Rosenthal Box: Cost-effective solution at £150-200 using filters from B&Q or Screwfix. Provides consistent indoor protection.
- Beneficial for All: While Swansea has Wales' best air quality, indoor filtration provides additional protection during occasional pollution episodes and ensures consistent indoor environments.
- Coastal Considerations: Swansea's coastal location provides good outdoor air, but indoor filtration offers complete control year-round.
💨 Why Indoor Air Filtration Matters in Swansea
Swansea's exceptional outdoor air quality (only Welsh zone meeting NO2 limits, PM2.5 4-6 µg/m³) is excellent. However, indoor air filtration provides additional benefits: removes remaining pollutants to reach WHO's 5 µg/m³ PM2.5 guideline, protects during occasional pollution episodes, and ensures consistent indoor air quality independent of outdoor variations. Particularly beneficial for vulnerable populations and those with respiratory conditions.
Professional MERV13-16 filters for Swansea's Wales-leading air quality protection