A recent study conducted by the Imperial College London’s Environmental Research Group looked at evidence from more than 35,000 studies over 10 years. The research on air quality data found that air pollution causes harm to people at all stages of life.
Exposure to air pollution such as such as NOx, SOx and PM2.5 can have harmful effects on people at all stages of life. These air pollutants predominantly come from transport and heavy industry. Studies have shown that air pollution can lead to miscarriages, low birth weight, low sperm count in men, stunted lung growth in children, asthma, high blood pressure and can impact cognitive abilities affect mental health, and increase the risk of chronic illnesses, cancer, and strokes in adulthood.
The impact of air pollution on public health is significant and cannot be ignored. In 2018, Public Health England estimated that up to 43,000 people in the UK die prematurely each year due to air pollution, costing the country billions of pounds by 2035 if action is not taken. Outdoor air pollution ranks between alcohol use and obesity for global deaths. Even those living in the least polluted areas are affected, and there is no safe threshold for PM2.5.
The government has launched a consultation on its draft Air Quality Strategy which closes on 21 April.
A spokesperson from the Department for Environmental, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) stated: “We fully recognise the importance of improving air quality and our Environmental Improvement Plan sets the action we’re taking to drive change and meet our strict air quality targets.
We are encouraging councils to use their existing powers and responsibilities more effectively, and are now consulting on a revised Air Quality Strategy to support them.”
We understand that air pollution has serious health consequences and that action must be taken to address this issue. We support the government’s efforts to improve air quality and their draft Air Quality Strategy. We also encourage local councils to use their powers more effectively to reduce air pollution and protect the health and well-being of our communities.
Poor air quality is the result of many contributing factors, one of those being unsustainable business operations. That’s why we’re working with businesses across the globe to help them reduce their carbon impact and improve things such as air quality.
Our recent project in collaboration with the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority aims to help the port reach net zero carbon emissions by 2040, which will also have a considerable impact on improving the air quality in the Port region and surrounding communities. We strive to deliver significant improvements to air quality around the Port of Detroit, and have ambitions to deliver similar ambitious results in cities around the world.
It is crucial for businesses to recognise the harmful effects of air pollution and take proactive steps to reduce their impact on the environment and public health. By prioritising sustainable practices, we can contribute to a healthier and cleaner environment for current and future generations. Together, we can make a positive impact on World Earth Day and beyond by promoting sustainable practices and protecting our planet for a better future.