Breathe Node London Network

On 13th September 2023, Willesden Green joined the Breathe Node Network.

The Willesden Green Town Team (WGTT) was one of only 20 community groups in London to be awarded a sensor as part of the Breathe London Community Programme, a fully funded one year programme to support organisations to monitor and tackle air pollution in their local area.

The ‘Breathe Node’ project, to help investigate and improve London’s air quality using a network of air sensors, was introduced by the Mayor of London in 2020.

With funding from Bloomberg Philanthropies, the ‘Breathe London Community Programme’ was able to offer a limited number of fully funded Breathe Nodes to local communities. This being the third and final round of free sensors being offered.

Air pollution, a silent but deadly threat  

Poor air quality has been shown to have many health impacts leading to premature deaths, stunted development in children, increased risks of dementia and respiratory illness ranging from coughs and asthma to cancer. 

This disproportionately affects the most vulnerable members of society and those who live in areas with high social deprivation – Willesden Green having amongst the highest levels of social deprivation in Brent.

Willesden Green Town Team said, “We are thrilled to be a recipient of the ‘Breath Node’ for our community. 

Our sensor, which is positioned on the busy High Road in Willesden Green, will be testing for and reporting on levels of small particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) both of which are dangerous to health. What’s great is that the data that’s captured, along with all other sensors in the programme, will be available for everyone to view in real-time on the Breathe London website (www.breathelondon.org).”