Swansea’s air among UK’s worst, new study finds
Swansea has been ranked among the UK’s most polluted cities — with air quality so poor that residents are effectively inhaling the equivalent of 131 cigarettes a year, according to a new study.
The research, published by HouseFresh, uses the latest PM2.5 pollution data to calculate how many cigarettes people are indirectly “smoking” due to fine particle exposure. Swansea ties with Cardiff for the worst air in Wales, and ranks 8th in the UK overall — alongside cities like Manchester, London and Bristol.
The study uses a method developed by Berkeley Earth, which equates long-term exposure to PM2.5 pollution with cigarette intake. Swansea’s average PM2.5 level in 2024 was 10.3 µg/m³, well above the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of 5 µg/m³.
A simplified measure vs. statutory monitoring
While the HouseFresh study offers a striking visual comparison, it’s based on a single annual average for PM2.5, designed to raise awareness rather than meet regulatory standards. Swansea Council’s approach is more technical and comprehensive — tracking seven key pollutants under the Air Quality (Wales) Regulations 2000, including nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, PM10, carbon monoxide, benzene, lead and 1,3-butadiene.
The council operates five automatic monitoring stations across the city, with real-time data available via its air quality dashboard. As of today, all stations are showing green status, indicating low pollution levels — a reminder that daily exposure can vary significantly, and that local improvements may not yet be reflected in long-term averages.
Council data shows mixed picture
Swansea Council’s 2024 Air Quality Progress Report confirms that PM2.5 levels remain a concern, particularly near busy roads and junctions. While most monitoring sites meet national standards, the report notes that 89 locations saw increases in pollution compared to 2022, with one site in Graig Trewyddfa recording the highest nitrogen dioxide levels in the city.
The council has declared several Air Quality Management Areas, including Hafod, Sketty and Fforestfach, due to long-term breaches of nitrogen dioxide limits. These areas are all close to major traffic routes, highlighting the impact of vehicle emissions on local air quality.
Public awareness campaign launched
In response to growing concerns, Swansea Council has launched a new city-wide awareness campaign in partnership with Swansea University, aimed at helping residents protect themselves and reduce their contribution to poor air quality.
Information posters have appeared at bus stops across the city, offering practical tips such as standing further back from the roadside when walking and switching off car engines when stationary. The campaign also highlights indoor air risks, including poor ventilation in homes.
David Hopkins, Cabinet Member for Corporate Service and Performance, said:
“Part of the Council’s responsibility is to monitor air quality in the city and look at ways to combat air pollution as well as promote healthier communities. The latest study we are working on in partnership with Swansea University aims at providing the public with a series of helpful tips that assist in lessening the impact of poor air quality in your community.”
Researchers are working with the council to better understand public attitudes and behaviours around air pollution, with the goal of encouraging small, everyday changes that can lead to cleaner air and healthier communities.
Centre for Cities: emissions and air quality not always linked
A separate analysis by Centre for Cities, published in February, shows that Swansea is an outlier when it comes to greenhouse gas emissions. While most UK cities have relatively low per capita emissions, Swansea’s figures are skewed by the presence of Port Talbot Steelworks, which contributes heavily to industrial output.
The report argues that air quality and emissions are separate issues — and that cities like Swansea can have high pollution levels even if their carbon footprint is relatively low. It calls for targeted policies to tackle local pollutants, such as vehicle emissions and wood-burning stoves, alongside broader climate measures.
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