January 2024: Brighton and Hove HXR doctor calls for more anti-pollution measures

A&E Dr Daniel Roberts hit the news in January when he called for better measures to clean up the air in his city, calling new anti-idling measures a “sticking plaster” that would only make a small difference. Dr Roberts, who is a member of HXR and the Clean Air for Brighton and Hove campaign group, highlighted the increasing numbers of respiratory cases he is seeing at the Royal Sussex Hospital. He argues that broader and more effective measures, such as Ultra low emission zones and smoke-free areas, are needed to tackle the problem of air pollution and prevent the breathing, heart and other illnesses it causes.

Air pollution remains the largest modifiable environmental public health risk globally. In the UK, human-made air pollution is associated with the onset and worsening of chronic disorders, such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and leads to between 28 000 and 36 000 deaths every year. [1]

Almost every organ in the body can be impacted by air pollution. Diseases most strongly linked with exposure to air pollution include stroke, ischaemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, pneumonia, and cataract. Maternal exposure to air pollution is associated with adverse birth outcomes, such as low birth weight, pre-term birth and small for gestational age births.  [2]

Children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with existing health conditions are more susceptible to air pollution-related diseases. People in the UK who are experiencing deprivation or socioeconomic disadvantage, including minoritised-ethnic groups, are more likely to live close to sources of air pollution, such as major roads or industry.  They also have less access to green and blue spaces, which reduce exposure to air pollution . These inequalities increase people’s ill-health and risk of death related to air pollution.[1]

BBC News: Doctor calls for car idling measures to go further, 2/1/2024

References

[1] Pinho-Gomes AC, Roaf E, Fuller G, Fowler D, Lewis A, ApSimon H, Noakes C, Johnstone P, Holgate S. Air pollution and climate change. The Lancet Planetary Health. 2023 Sep 1;7(9):e727-8.

[2] World Health organisation. Air quality, energy and health: Health impacts