The Isle of Man Government has published its Air Quality Monitoring Report 2026.
The two-year island-wide study has confirmed pollution levels are significantly lower than UK action level, reinforcing the Isle of Man's reputation for clean, healthy air.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) monitored nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide levels at 63 locations, mainly around schools, between October 2023 and October 2025. This was a key environmental commitment in the Island Plan.
The results show that nitrogen dioxide levels averaged just 13 micrograms per cubic metre, compared to the UK average of 21 and the UK action level of 40. Sulphur dioxide levels averaged only 1 microgram per cubic metre, well below the UK threshold of 20.
Air quality near schools was consistently well below the UK safety limit throughout the monitoring period. This is particularly important as children are more vulnerable to air pollution due to their developing respiratory systems. Short-term pollution increases were recorded at locations such as Braddan Bridge and Peel Road during rush hour traffic, but these did not affect the overall results.
Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture Clare Barber MHK said:
‘This report demonstrates that we are not only committed to protecting our environment, but recognise the importance of effective monitoring to ensure our efforts are targeted and effective.
'As a UNESCO Biosphere, we take our responsibility to balance people and nature seriously, and these results show that the Isle of Man continues to offer an exceptionally clean and healthy environment for residents and visitors alike.’
