Glasgow air quality map

What information can be gleaned from the air pollution map for Glasgow?

The air pollution map for Glasgow can be found on the main city page. Once opened, the viewer will see many discs over the city, each containing a number. This is the US AQI reading which indicates the air quality at that particular station. This number is used as an international standard when comparing air quality in cities around the world. It is endorsed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and is calculated by taking measurements of six of the most common pollutants found in the city air.

The overall colour of the map also reflects the general condition of the air. The meaning of the colours is shown in the legend at the bottom of the screen.

The discs themselves show the location of the ground monitoring stations. Once the map is expanded, the discs will separate and become clearer to see. If a disc is selected, then a separate page will open which is dedicated to that particular station and will reveal all details about that area of the city.

You will see the US AQI number and the level of the main pollutants, usually headed by PM2.5 which is considered to be the main pollutant used as a benchmark.

Further down the page can be seen a brief weather forecast showing temperature, humidity, wind speed and air pressure. There is also an AQI forecast for the next few days which can be very informative if you plan to travel within the next few days. There then follows a historic air quality graph which shows the conditions either hourly or daily.

Is any other information available on the air quality map for Glasgow?

When consulting the map page, directly beneath the map can be seen the number of stations which have provided the information as shown on the map. Further down the page can be seen the list of all the various stations starting with the one with the cleanest air and lowest US AQI reading. In Glasgow, it was the Glasgow Waulkmillglen Reservoir that shows “Good” air quality with a US AQI reading of 29.

The stations then appear on a table where they are ranked by popularity indicated by the number of followers they each have. Whilst following a station, the user will be notified of any noticeable change to air quality and thus be able to act accordingly.

Towards the bottom of the page, the user is invited to download the free air quality map which is suitable for any mobile device and is rated almost 5 stars. This way the user will be alerted to any serious change in air quality.

When the map is viewed in full-screen mode, the user will see four pieces of information on the left-hand side of the screen. These show the positions of the air monitors, the location of any fires burning in the vicinity, the air quality and the direction of the wind.

On the right-hand side of the screen is a table which shows the ranking of the world’s dirtiest cities which can be interesting when comparing one with another.

Ideally, both the main city page and the air quality map page for Glasgow should be consulted in tandem. That way the reader will gain the most relevant information about the state of the air in Glasgow.

During the second quarter of 2022, Glasgow was enjoying a period of “Good” quality air with a US AQI reading of just 1. The main pollutant was PM2.5 with a level of 0.2 µg/m³ which is well within the target figure of 5 µg/m³ as recommended by the WHO.

Are the areas of poor air quality visible on the air quality map for Glasgow?

Once the air quality map for Glasgow is opened, the easiest way to identify areas of poor air quality is to look at the numbers and colours of the discs. The darker the colour and the higher the number indicated poorer quality air. Or by scrolling underneath the map, the stations are listed in descending order, so the first station on the list has the highest US AQI number and therefore the dirtiest air. At this time of year, it was Glasgow Waulkmillglen Reservoir. But even this station was still enjoying “Good” quality air with a US AQI reading of 30.

There are eight stations within the Glasgow environs all contributing to the information that is available on the page.

Can the viewer find the source of air pollution in Glasgow by looking at the air quality map?

The viewer can see where the most polluted parts of Glasgow are but the information contained in the map page does not reveal where the polluted air comes from. As with most large cities, the source of the majority of air pollution comes from vehicles on the city streets. Although the combustion of coal and other fossil fuels also adds to the air pollution, especially during the colder, winter months.

According to a study conducted by the World Health Organisation (WHO), Glasgow is one of the most polluted cities in the UK. Fifty-one towns and cities were tested for fine sooty particles which are directly linked to heart disease and premature deaths.

At the time of testing, Glasgow had 16 microns per cubic metre which is way higher than the recommended level of 5 µg/m³. London and Leeds were next with a level of 15 µg/m³.

PM2.5 is named as the main pollutant on the air quality map for Glasgow, but what is it?

Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) consists of small, airborne particles that can originate from combustion processes, or mechanical wear. Particulate matter can be both anthropogenic (man-made) and naturally occurring. The latter can originate from soil erosion, forests and grass fires, living vegetation, sea spray (salt particles), sandstorms and volcanic eruptions. Anthropogenic airborne dust originates mainly from road traffic, heating and industry.

These are the dominant sources in major cities. According to the WHO, exposure to polluted urban air is among the world's 20 most important causes of health problems, and airborne dust is considered the most important cause of harmful effects of polluted air.