Health matters: air pollution
A resource focusing on air pollution: sources, impacts and actions.
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Long-term exposure to air pollution reduces life expectancy by increasing deaths from cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, and from lung cancer. It is estimated that long-term exposure to air pollution in the UK has an annual effect equivalent to 28,000 to 36,000 deaths. We know that air pollution disproportionally impacts those who live in less affluent areas, broadening health inequalities.
This edition of Health matters focuses on air pollution and discusses how local authorities, supported by national policies, have an important role in assessing and improving local air quality - and how the cumulative effects of local action can be significant. It will be of particular value to local authority commissioners, directors of public health, environmental health officers, health and wellbeing boards, CCGs and health professionals.