Something in the air leaves me breathless

Join Professor Ian Colbeck to discuss air pollution in the UK and what to do about it.

Take part in the webinar

This talk will give an overview of air pollution across the UK, what measures are currently in place to reduce it, and what the future holds. Register for the webinar.

Please note: this webinar will be recorded.

Air pollution in the UK and worldwide

Air pollution is an ongoing global health issue. The World Health Organization estimates that 4.2 million deaths annually can be attributed to outdoor air pollution. Approximately 90% of the world’s population are exposed to air pollution levels that put them at increased risk of diseases including heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer and pneumonia. In the UK, air pollution is responsible for as many as 36,000 premature deaths and, in April 2021, in a landmark case, it was listed as the cause of death on a death certificate.

In September 2021, the WHO published an update to its Global Air Quality Guidelines. The guideline for nitrogen dioxide has been reduced by 75% and that for particle pollution (PM2.5) has been halved. In October, the House of Lords introduced and amendment to the Environment Bill to set a limit on particle pollution which would be at least as strict as World Health Organisation guidance by 2030. However, the House of Commons voted to reject the Lords’ amendment.