Deep breaths in the city
Toxic levels of air pollution lead to serious health complications and premature deaths.
Today in the UK, the legal level of air pollution (measured by PM 2.5*) is currently 20µg/m3, with intentions to meet 10µg/m3 by 2040. However, in 2021 the World Health Organisation (WHO) advised that population exposure of PM2.5 should not exceed 5µg/m3 because of the deadly harmful risks.
This visualisation captures air pollution data and correlating insights data captured across the top 10 populated UK cities. It indicates that all UK cities greatly exceed the WHO guideline.
Data visualisation
Details
This visualisation of air pollution in UK cities is inspired by the story of Ella Roberta who died because of toxic air and was the first person to have air pollution listed on a death certificate.
The design uses murky colours to represent polluting air, whilst illustrations of organic shapes energise a serious issue and use of data talking about real lives. The dandelion seeds blowing off the abstract flower shape represent and remember the too many premature deaths due to air pollution.
*Air pollution caused by emissions is measured by PM 2.5 level which is particular matter measuring less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter. Evidence shows long-tem exposure to high levels of PM 2.5 causes high rates of asthma, heart disease, cancer and leads to premature deaths.
Data sources: IQAir, Motorway UK, Colas, Urban Green Metrics in Great Britain
