Government ‘must do more’ to improve air quality

Asthma UK has backed a report that calls for the Government to make tackling poor air quality a higher priority.

The Environmental Audit Committee report calls on the Government to raise the profile of the issue by publicising the latest data on premature deaths more widely and making clear the benefits of improving air quality. 

Neil Churchill, Chief Executive of Asthma UK, said: ‘We agree that awareness needs to be raised and behaviour needs to change if air quality targets are to be met. It’s shocking that the UK is so far behind on its commitments.

‘We also warmly welcome the Committee’s recommendation for the Government to take better account of the health impacts of poor air quality. If the Government is serious about pushing the prevention agenda this is precisely the kind of action it needs to take.

‘Air quality is of prime concern to people with asthma and two thirds tell us that traffic fumes trigger their asthma symptoms. 29% say that a reduction in air pollution is the single thing that would make the most difference to their quality of life in relation to their asthma.

‘Quantifying the impact of pollution on health and quality of life, as well as the costs to the NHS and the economy, would open people’s eyes to the importance of improving air quality.’ 

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