Thursday 21 June is the longest day of the year but it is important for another reason as it it’s also the date of Clean Air Day 2018. This special day, coordinated by Global Action Plan, is held each year to raise awareness about the harms of air pollution and to inform people of the simple things we can all do to tackle this silent killer on our streets.
The air we breathe is essential to life and air pollution affects us all – from before we are born until old age. Harmful pollutants including tiny particles and toxic gases cause a wide range of diseases which affect the heart, lungs, circulatory system, brain and other vital organs. In the UK, air pollution caused by the most harmful pollutants is estimated to cause approximately 40,000 early deaths each year. While air pollution is harmful to us all, people who are older, live in deprived areas, have pre-existing conditions or live near busy roads are at greater risk. This means that our poorest and most vulnerable communities are exposed to some of the worst outdoor and indoor air quality, worsening health inequalities.
Air pollution also has a major impact on ecosystems and biodiversity, it contributes to climate change and is damaging to our wider economy. A recent report estimated that pollution from cars and vans costs us £6 billion in health costs year – equivalent to £8000 for each car driven in central London. Whilst converting from diesel to petrol cars may be an option to reduce air pollution, it still increases carbon emissions. The best solution is therefore to travel by foot and by bicycle. If we as a society could swap just 1 in 4 of urban car journeys in urban areas for walking or cycling we could save £1.1 billion in health costs per year.
Therefore, why not use Clean Air Day to leave your car at home and try a different mode of transport – whether it’s walking, cycling, taking public transport, or test driving an electric vehicle. You can also play a role by getting involved in a wide range of events and activities around the country from nature walks to citizen science projects and much more. For more information about Clean Air Day 2018, to download free resources and get involved, visit the Clean Air Day website here.
Written by Dr Suzanne Bartington, Clinical Research Fellow at University of Birmingham and Honorary Specialty Registrar in Public Health at FPH.
Better Health For All 
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