203 Times Over the Limit: The Shocking Air Quality Levels Choking Rainham.

As most of us across Havering were pleased to see the sunshine this weekend, the first thing we did was open our windows to let in the fresh air. But for those living near Launders Lane in Rainham, it was another challenging weekend. Instead of enjoying the weather, residents were forced to keep their windows firmly shut as a thick smog and overwhelming odour hung over the area.

Air quality monitors in the area showed PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) levels reaching 203 µg/m³. For context, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that average daily exposure should not exceed 15 µg/m³. Levels above 200 µg/m³ are considered “very unhealthy” on the Air Quality Index, posing serious risks even to healthy individuals, and even greater risks for children, the elderly, and those with existing health conditions.

Residents describe “choking conditions” and say daily life has become unbearable. For some who have tried to grow fruit and vegetables in their gardens, crops such as peaches and grapes have been ruined, coated in a thick grey dust that leaves them inedible. Locals speak of endless peaches left to rot on the ground, destroyed by pollution.

This was yet another weekend of misery for Rainham residents, who feel forgotten as they struggle with conditions most of us could not imagine. While the rest of Havering opened our windows to welcome the sunshine, they were once again trapped inside, forced to breathe through the smog.

Fruit covered with unknown grey dust.

Stay up to date with all of our latest updates and content by following us on our social media accounts!

We have created community pages where we will share our up-to-date stories happening in the area. Add the area closest to where you live.