World Asthma Day is Here
Held annually on the first Tuesday of May, World Asthma Day is used to spread awareness of asthma worldwide. There’s common myths surrounding asthma; that it’s nothing serious, it’s only brought on by exercise, and that you’ll grow out of it. Little do they know how wrong they are! In this article, we’re diving into how poor air quality is fuelling asthma.
Did you know that poor air quality is linked to 33% of childhood asthma cases? And exposure to this air pollution in early life is related to higher blood pressure and poorer brain development?
It’s a more serious disease than you might think, and a big cause of it is air pollution…
The Issue All Around Us
In the UK’s busiest cities, there’s a problem all around us that we can’t see: air pollution. Many people think of smog and pollution and don’t realise how much closer to home the problem is; they think of distant industrial pasts or megacities. The truth is, air pollution can harm our health and make issues like asthma more common for everyone, no matter their age. Unfortunately, it just keeps getting worse. Growing up as a child in Walsall, I had asthma and didn’t get relief until I moved to the countryside in my 20s. It’s been 30 years, and I haven’t used an inhaler since.
The air pollution crisis has gone on for long enough. It’s one of the driving factors for our business; we strive to make a change, reduce air pollution, and help the planet achieve a greener, more sustainable future. Join us to explore how poor air quality is fuelling asthma and other conditions.
A Growing Concern: The State of Air Quality in UK Cities
Recent studies have consistently shown that air pollution levels in several UK cities exceed the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommended limits.
The Centre for Cities found 40 UK cities and towns exceed air pollution limits. London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow are among the cities where air quality often falls into the “unsafe” category. Coupled with Gridserve’s findings, that 76% of British high streets may exceed the recommended annual level of air pollution, is anyone else getting a little tight-chested?
The main culprits are nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), largely produced by vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and even residential heating.
Despite efforts such as the introduction of Ultra Low Emission Zones and Clean Air Zones, improvements have been incremental at best. Lower-income areas, like where I was raised, continue to suffer from the exposure to harmful pollutants.
The Link Between Air Pollution and Asthma
How poor air quality is fuelling asthma? Well its not just an environmental issue; it is a public health emergency. One of the most alarming connections is its role in triggering and exacerbating asthma.
Exposure to pollutants like NO₂ and particulate matter can cause a number of symptoms, including inflammation of the airways, reduce lung function, and increase the frequency and severity of asthma attacks. In children, whose lungs are still developing, the effects can be even more severe, leading to lifelong respiratory issues. Alarmingly, children living near high-traffic areas are significantly more likely to develop asthma compared to those in less polluted neighbourhoods.
Research from King’s College London found that reducing air pollution in cities could prevent thousands of asthma cases in children every year. Yet, despite this clear evidence, progress remains slow.
Employers Introducing the Scheme
Employees Going Green
What Can Be Done?
The good news is that solutions exist, but they require coordinated action across government, industry, and individuals. Key measures include:
- Expanding and enforcing Clean Air Zones across more cities.
- Transitioning to electric and low-emission vehicles at a faster rate.
- Promoting active travel, like walking, cycling, and public transport, with investment in safer infrastructure.
- Urban greening initiatives, such as planting more trees and creating green spaces that naturally filter the air.
- Tighter regulations on industrial emissions and residential wood-burning stoves.
On a personal level, individuals can help by choosing sustainable travel options such as electric cars, supporting clean energy initiatives, and advocating for stronger environmental policies.
Take a peek at our Earth Day blog if you want to find out more about helping sustain our planet!
Beyond Asthma: The Broader Health Impact
The health consequences of air pollution are not limited to asthma alone. Long-term exposure has been linked to:
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Heart Disease
- Stroke
- Lung Cancer
- Neurodevelopmental issues in children
- Mental health effects, such as anxiety and depression linked to oxidative stress in the brain.
The financial burden on the NHS is staggering. Estimates suggest that the health costs associated with air pollution-related diseases run into billions of pounds annually, not to mention the loss of productivity due to illness and premature death.
Who Is Most at Risk?
While everyone can be affected by pollution and poor air quality, here are the groups most likely to be affected by it:
- Children and infants: As they’re developing lungs and have higher breathing rates it makes them especially sensitive.
- Elderly individuals: Pre-existing conditions make it harder for them to cope with pollution.
- Low-income communities: Often located near busy roads and industrial areas, these communities suffer disproportionately.
- People with pre-existing health conditions: Asthmatics, individuals with heart disease, and those with compromised immune systems are at heightened risk.
Final Thoughts
Poor air quality is an urgent health crisis hiding in plain sight across UK cities. It is a major contributor to rising asthma rates and a host of other health problems. Addressing this issue is not just about helping the environment, it’s about protecting our children, our communities, and our future.
Only through awareness, activism, and decisive action can we hope to clear the air and breathe easier in the years to come. Introducing a salary sacrifice scheme to help employees to replace that 7 year old diesel with a brand new electric is a simple initial step. We can argue in another blog about the benefits of EVs vs petrol/diesel cars when it comes to construction and power but what is not for debate is the huge benefit of removing pollutants from our city centres and our children’s lungs!
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Fleet Evolution offers innovative salary sacrifice schemes, helping employers and employees save on costs while promoting eco-friendly electric cars. Enjoy easy setup, free maintenance, and swift activation for any company size.