On Clean Air Day 2025, why Localised Air Purification is Essential for Meeting WHO Targets

Published in support of Clean Air Day 2025

Average levels of harmful nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in urban areas across the UK continue to exceed World Health Organization (WHO) recommended limits.

As Clean Air Day 2025 calls on government, business, and citizens to act decisively on air pollution, it's critical we understand not just the scale of the problem, but where targeted solutions can have the greatest impact.

The WHO guidelines serve as a global benchmark for protecting human health, backed by decades of epidemiological and atmospheric science. They are now informing evolving national strategies around the world. In the UK, the government has committed to reviewing its air quality targets. But setting targets is only half the equation; the other half is ensuring we have the right toolkits and innovations to meet them.

Why Localised Air Quality Solutions Matter

Photocatalytic technologies like Clean Air  are not designed to clean the entire atmosphere . . . which is exactly why they work!

As noted in the UK Government’s Air Quality Expert Group (AQEG) 2016 report, photocatalytic surfaces deliver their greatest impact in localised environments such as :

• Urban street canyons where pollution becomes trapped

• Confined construction sites with heavy machinery

• Transportation hubs with high NOx output

• Public realm zones like schools and hospitals where vulnerable groups are most exposed

These high-density, high-exposure zones are where traditional regional policies, like low-emission zones or vehicle restrictions will undoubtedly contribute to long-term improvements, but in the meantime, localised air quality spikes remain a pressing health concern. That’s where Clean Air steps in, offering immediate, visible impact at the street level, complementing larger strategies with focused, human-centered interventions.

Real-World Evidence: Targeted Impact, Proven Results

Localised strategies are further supported by real-world data and results, moving from proven labaratory verification to field-tested reality. Most recently:

• Mace Dragados have applied the solution at London Euston Station to mitigate construction-related pollution in a highly congested zone.

• Berkeley Group has incorporated the technology into regeneration projects to improve air quality for residents and workers alike.

These deployments prove that localised air purification is not only possible, but it’s working!

A Practical Layer in a Larger Strategy

So, Clean Air is not a replacement for emissions controls or policy enforcement, rather it's a layered, complementary measure that operates exactly where people are breathing polluted air.

In summary it offers:

• Low-cost, scalable installation on existing surfaces

• Measurable improvements in air pollution exposure zones

• Compatibility with broader ESG and clean infrastructure goals

As the UK moves to align with WHO air quality thresholds, we need scalable, innovative tools to bridge the implementation gap. The Clean Air anti-pollution coating is one of those tools.

On Clean Air Day 2025, we encourage city planners, developers, transport authorities, and community leaders to look beyond blanket policies and start investing in high-impact, localised solutions that bring immediate public health benefits.

To start your journey, email us at hello@wearecleanair.com