Dear sir,
I’ve noticed that air pollution has been at a high level in parts of Congleton over the course of the past two weeks.
Air pollution is the term given to the small particles, chemicals and gases that are released into the air, and often stay suspended in the air until blown away by wind or rain. These air pollutants can have a harmful impact on the environment and our health if they are breathed in.
In the online records that I have looked at, air pollution has been up to 10 times the recommended level that is set out by the WHO (World Health Organisation). Humidity and the weather do impact air quality massively. However, it is very likely that people who have been plunged into fuel poverty areusing coal/wood fires far more than previously, in order to keep warm this winter. Rightly so, given the situation we are faced with.
There are things people can do to cut down on the pollution, such as not having their car engine idling if stationary (this seems a particular problem outside schools), avoid burning garden waste (compost it instead). Also reduce car journeys where possible, so walk, cycle or use public transport if you are able. Most importantly, burn only smoke-free coal or well-seasoned (not wet) wood. Never burn painted or treated wood or plastic, as the fumes can be dangerous.
This week has also seen the passing of ‘Ella’s Law’ through the House of Lords. This Clean Air Bill is known as ‘Ella’s Law’, after Ella Kissi-Debrah, the first person in the UK to have air pollution listed as a cause of death. Ella, who lived in Lewisham in south London, died from an asthma attack in 2020. A coroner ruled that excessive exposure to air pollution contributed to her death. The bill was put forward by Baroness Jenny Jones (Green Party). It would require public bodies to review and monitor pollution limits. This would then have the aims of achieving clean air in the UK within five years of its passing.
Not only is air pollution having a devastating impact on the environment but it is affecting our health too. People most likely to be affected by air pollution are the elderly, pregnant women and their unborn babies, as well as the very young. Air quality is the largest environmental health risk in the UK, reports the ‘Clean Air strategy 2019’ government paper. Italso reports, ‘Air pollution is a major public health risk ranking alongside cancer, heart disease and obesity. It causes more harm than passive smoking, so even though we usuallycannot see air pollution, we mustn’t underestimate the serious health implications it is having on all of us.
In fact, 7 million people worldwide are killed by air pollution each year. Air pollution is linked to lung cancer, heart disease, chronic respiratory and autoimmune diseases, among other health issues.
Interestingly, I discovered after reading about air pollution this week, that air pollution inside our homes can often be worse than outside. Levels of air pollutants in the home can be significantly higher than those outside. For example, particulates can accumulate inside the more confined space of the home. Simple actions, like burning cleaner fuels, using an extractor fan above the cooker, and opening windows to ventilate the home, can make a big difference according to ‘Clean Air Strategy 2019’
Many thanks
Lisa Miller
Intensive Care Nurse
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