Air Aware
Residents in Tower Hamlets can monitor real-time air pollution levels via Air Aware, a new tool developed by four partner boroughs: Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Newham, and the City of London Corporation.
Air Aware provides real-time air quality data, helping you make informed decisions to reduce your exposure to harmful pollutants.
The tool also includes an interactive chat feature that offers verified advice in response to your questions, empowering you to take practical steps to protect yourself and your family from the effects of air pollution.
Discover what air aware can do for you
With the Air Aware tool, you can:
- Check live air pollution levels across Tower Hamlets and the wider project area in real time.
- Learn more about air quality by asking questions to our AI-powered assistant.
- Get practical recommendations to reduce your exposure to pollution through simple, everyday actions.
- Access educational resources, including articles and videos.
- Find local events focused on clean air and community action.
Air Aware is completely free to use, requires no download, and works seamlessly on smartphones, laptops, and PCs. Plus, it’s available in 18 of the most spoken languages in East London, making it accessible to everyone.
The tool is also accessible via a display screen currently located at Tower Hamlets Town Hall reception area.
Discover Air Aware today and take control of the air you breathe.
Air Quality and your health – what can you do?
Recent research by the Royal College of Physicians estimates that air pollution contributes to 30,000 premature deaths in the UK each year and five million across the world due to air pollution. Locally, Tower Hamlets continues to experience some of the highest pollution levels in London, with 6.9% of all deaths in the borough attributed to fine particulate matter (PM 2.5).
- Answer:
On average in the UK, we spend 90% of our time indoors (homes, schools, workplaces, other public spaces and on transport). Indoor environments are more complex than outdoor environments, with pollutant levels that vary widely both between and within buildings.
Sources of indoor pollution in a home:
CO and NO₂ from fires and wood- burning stoves, VOCs and formaldehyde from carpets, paints, glues, furniture and air fresheners, tobacco smoke, pet dander.
What you can do:
- Avoid smoking indoors.
- Ventilate regularly – open windows or use extractor fans, especially when cooking or cleaning.
- Choose low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints, cleaners, and air fresheners.
- Fix leaks and use a dehumidifier to prevent mould.
- Ensure boilers, stoves, and fireplaces are maintained and safe.
- Use indoor plants – some can help filter air naturally.
- Answer:
We often notice pollution when we are outdoors but knowing how to protect ourselves from it is not always clear.
Check Local Air Quality Forecasts
Get real-time pollution forecasts and alerts from airTEXT, and check Clean Air Routes, and Air Aware to help you plan safer travel and outdoor activities.
Limit outdoor activities like running or cycling when pollution levels are high, especially if you have asthma or heart/lung problems.
Choose When and Where You Travel
- Avoid busy roads, walk or cycle along quieter streets or through parks when possible.
- Travel outside rush hours, pollution levels are usually lower in the early morning or later in the evening.
- Stay away of busy traffic or industrial areas if possible.
Protect Vulnerable People
- Children, older adults, and people with respiratory conditions should take extra care on high pollution days.
- Keep medication (like inhalers) with you and use it as prescribed.
- Schools can reduce outdoor playtime on days with poor air quality.
Avoid Creating More Pollution
- Don’t idle your car engine while waiting or parked.
- Combine trips to reduce unnecessary driving.
- Walk, cycle, or use public transport when you can, it helps you and everyone else.
Take Advantage of Green Spaces
- Spend time in parks and open green areas, which usually have cleaner air than roadsides.
- Plant trees and shrubs in your garden or community; they help absorb pollutants and improve air quality over time.
