Air pollution can impact on human health, typically by irritating the lungs and airways or by passing into our blood via our lungs. Those most at risk are children, older people and people with existing heart and lung problems.
As a charity that represents all people with a lung condition, the BLF is concerned about the affect that air pollution can have on the most vulnerable.
The BLF fund world-class research, including studies into the affect of air pollution on the lungs. Over 15 years ago the BLF was among the first to highlight the fact that air pollution was a health issue and not simply an environmental issue. Since this time the BLF has continued to fund research that shows strong links between air pollution and lung disease.
London currently suffers the worst air pollution in the UK and some of the poorest in Europe. Harmful Particulate Matter (PM) concentrations in London breach health-based European Air Quality Directives, and carry carcinogenic compounds into Londoners' lungs, as well as worsening existing complaints such as asthma.
The BLF are calling on the Government to take more action to improve air quality and to implement initiatives that will reduce harmful emissions and improve air quality. Any initiative which reduces harmful emissions is a positive step forward to ensuring fewer premature deaths, reduced hospital visits, and fewer GP consultations for people with respiratory disease. We also support initiatives that help those who are the most vulnerable to be aware of air pollution levels.
European Air Quality Directive 2008 sets out acceptable levels of pollutants. The United Kingdom seems currently unlikely to reach the targets for Harmful Particulate Matter (PM10 or PM2.5 ) or Nitrogen Dioxide (NO) in time for the deadlines set out in the legislation.
The British Lung Foundation calls on the next government to meet the targets on air pollution set out in the European Air Quality Directive.
