BTS supports continued action to promote Clean Air and marks 70 years since the Great London Smog

This week marks 70 years since the Great London Smog of 1952 which choked the city for 5 days, killing up to 12,000 Londoners. This was a catalyst for the Clean Air Act of 1956 which gave local authorities the power to control emissions and set up smoke control zones. Whilst we no longer see such extreme air pollution events, the issue has not gone away. Air pollution remains the largest environmental risk to public health in the UK with an annual attributable mortality of 28,000 - 36000.

As a scientific community we continue to increase our understanding of the detrimental effects of air pollution exposure on our health, particularly for children and those with respiratory disease. Particulate matter and nitrous oxides predominantly come from the burning of fossil fuels which also cause climate change, and therefore have multiple compounding effects on health. Despite this increase in knowledge there has arguably been little action since the 1950s legislation and public understanding of the links between air pollution and health remains low. 

BTS supports calls for a new Clean Air Act in line with WHO recommendations. The bill known as ‘Ella’s Law’, in memory of 9 year old Ella Kissi-Debrah who died from asthma induced by air pollution, is currently making its way through the House of Lords. If passed it will establish a right to clean air and create a commission to ensure action is taken at governmental level. Respiratory healthcare professionals have a vital role in gaining support for regulation, but also in supporting communities and individuals to reduce exposure and risk. There is an abundance of resources available to help inform conversations with patients, so this week why not take action? 

1. Read more about Ella’s Law and add your signature to support the Clean Air Bill - ellaslaw.uk & Support the Clean Air (Human Rights) Bill (actionnetwork.org)
2. Read the BTS Statement on Air Quality and Lung Health to update your knowledge on the sources of and impacts of indoor and outdoor pollution 
3. Find a collection of resources on the Respiratory Futures site
4. Review your workplace’s actions on air quality using the Clean Air Hospital framework
5. Add leaflets on reducing exposure to air pollution to your outpatient area – from Action for Clean Air