Heat summary - Chapter 4: outdoor air pollution and health
This page summarises Chapter 4 of the Health Effects of Climate Change (HECC) report with a focus on the impact of heat on outdoor air pollution and health. This is part of the science and stats section for the hazard: heat.
Applies to England
CCHS navigation menu:
CCHS homepage
Topic: climate-related hazards
Hazard: all climate-related hazards, heat
Part of: heat summary - full HECC report
Key resources for HECC Chapter 4:
- Heat summary - Chapter 4: air pollution and health
- Chapter 4 full report
Heat summary of Chapter 4
Exposure to air pollution can reduce life expectancy and can cause health effects, including cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and lung cancer. Evidence continues to build on a range of health outcomes, including reduced cognitive performance, and Increased dementia risk.
Some people are more vulnerable to these effects than others, including those with preexisting cardiovascular or respiratory illness, older people, young children and babies.
Certain communities are more likely to be exposed to air pollution, for example low-income groups and those living in close proximity to main roads.
Long-term exposure to air pollution has an effect equivalent to 29,000 to 43,000 deaths each year in the UK. There has been a growing body of research around the possible links between air pollution and temperature, though effects are still uncertain.
The relationship between temperature and air pollution is complex and more research is required to confirm the trends that have been observed.
Ozone is particularly influenced by the weather; this was observed during the 2003 heatwave when high ozone concentrations were recorded.
Heatwaves are expected to become more frequent and intense, potentially leading to more episodes of high ozone and other pollutants like particulate matter.