Wandsworth Council has urged all parties involved in Nine Elms intensive development projects to stay ‘vigilant’ in reducing air pollution.

The council monitors air pollution through regular PM10 readings.

PM10 refers to Particle Matter measuring up to ten microns and is a mixture of fine and coarse particles such as dust, sand, and tire rubber.

Even short term exposure to high levels of PM10 can increase the risk of respiratory and inflammatory diseases.

The council’s mean objective for PM10 pollution was exceeded for 11 days in the last twelve months.

This figure is an improvement on the previous twelve months, which saw 20 days of excessive PM10 levels.

However, despite being home to the largest development project in London, Nine Elms has lower PM10 levels than many other London areas.

Wandsworth Council leader Ravi Govindia said: “Controlling these harmful dust particles takes a relentless effort from everyone involved in the regeneration process and just one example of poor practice could see pollution levels rise.

“We must remain vigilant and work collaboratively to stop pollution at source, minimise the needs for disruptive works and to reduce construction related traffic.

“The completed Nine Elms will include the city’s most ambitious green infrastructure network, including the UK’s largest sustainable urban drainage system, a district heating network which will reduce emissions and carbon, a sustainable transport network and acres of new green open space.

“We are also supporting the development of the Thames Tideway Tunnel which will dramatically reduce pollution levels in the Thames.

“This is an exceptional green legacy and we need to continue to manage the construction process in a clean and responsible manner.”