Introduction to Air Quality in Aberdeen
Clean air is essential for health and helps to make Aberdeen a pleasant place to live.
There is no heavy industry in Aberdeen, and air quality is generally good. Emissions from road traffic are the main sources of pollution.
A system of Local Air Quality Management has been in place for a number of years with the aim of ensuring national air quality objectives will be achieved in all areas. This system requires local authorities to annually review air quality in their areas and assess whether any location exceeds, or is likely to exceed, national objectives for 8 pollutants that are known to impact on health.
For more information about Air Quality Management in Aberdeen, including historical and existing Air Quality Management Areas, and actions being taking to improve air quality, please visit our local air quality management web page.
Air Quality Monitoring in Aberdeen
Air quality is monitored across the city using two types of monitoring equipment:
Continuous monitors are used to provide real-time data of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide.
Diffusion tubes are used to give an indication of traffic-related nitrogen dioxide levels at busy roadside locations in residential areas.
You can view and download recent and historical monitoring data from Air Quality in Scotland. This website also contains descriptions and maps of the Aberdeen monitoring sites and other useful information relating to air quality.
Air Quality Reports
The most recent information and data on air quality in Aberdeen is available in the Council’s Air Quality Annual Progress Report, which can be found on our air quality reports web page.
Educational resources
Some useful educational resources on air quality are available on these websites: