Researchers Link Air Pollution at Birmingham 2022 to Catering, Fireworks

Researchers at the 2022 Commonwealth Games found air pollution around Alexander Stadium was driven mainly by catering and fireworks, not traffic. Joe Acton of the University of Birmingham said spectator exposure would be more than doubled during a full day of events. The study tracked pollution at Birmingham 2022, where more than 300,000 spectators attended stadium sessions.

Alexander Stadium pollution peaks

Particle pollution peaked before each stadium session and reached a maximum just before the closing ceremony, when levels were 10 times greater than in other parts of the city. The highest readings came before the opening and closing ceremonies, then fell quickly as spectators took their seats. During the athletics events, pollution stayed elevated for longer as people visited catering outlets throughout the sessions.

Joe Acton on catering

Acton said the main source was catering rather than traffic. He said the catering was dominantly fast-food, including burgers, hotdogs and stir-fries. He also said, "The main surprise was particle pollution in the fan areas around the stadium. For a spectator attending a full day of events, their daily exposure would be more than doubled."

He added, "Event organisers should consider the impact of cooking from concession stands, particularly for staff and volunteers who may be exposed for multiple days." Smoking was banned at the events, and no tobacco smoke was detected. A 2012 study of air pollution at a German Bundesliga football match had found tobacco smoke was the dominant source inside that stadium.

William Bloss on performance

William Bloss said, "As well as impacting staff and spectators, poor air will also impact athletic performance, making it an important issue for organisers of events like the Commonwealth Games – and for athletes seeking records." He and Acton said there was little detectable impact from Games traffic, and Acton attributed that to park and ride sites and public transport. The finding leaves event organisers with a clear operational question: how to control pollution from food and fireworks when traffic is not the main driver.