The Government has published its Air Quality Information System (AQIS) review, concluding that while the UK has an effective air quality monitoring network, more emphasis should be placed on communicating the dangers of air pollution to the public.
The AQIS was set up in 2021 after the publication of the Prevention of Future Deaths report following Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah’s death. The report found that the public were largely unaware of the danger of air pollution.
The review into the way air quality information is communicated to the public in the UK began in late 2021 and was completed there years later, in December 2024.
The steering group who led the review was made up of significant figures from academia, local government and health charities. The Chair was Dr Bill Parish from DEFRA and Scientific Advisor to the Chair was Professor Stephen Holgate.
The group ‘s research covered five areas:
- Who needs to know about air quality and what do they need to know?
- How accurate is the air quality data and models that underpins the Daily Air Quality Index (DAQI) and forecasts?
- How to use data to tell a meaningful story
- How to effect behaviour change
- How to reach target audiences
The group felt that while the UK’s monitoring is technically sophisticated, it does not lead to a greater understanding of air quality among the public.
They found no real evidence to suggest that the public knows how to access air quality information and those who do often encounter overly technical language and content that assumes a high level of scientific knowledge.
Furthermore, they considered that health advice related to air quality is outdated and does not reflecting the latest clinical guidance.
Ultimately, the group came up with 11 recommendations:
1. Air quality information providers should take an outcome-based approach to communicating air quality information, risk and potential action.
2. Air quality information should use accessible language and be recognisable; developed with a consistent tone, message and advice. This information should be readily accessible and proactively disseminated across existing channels, where appropriate.
3. Any co-benefits of taking action should be communicated alongside the possible health benefits.
4. Develop and implement a communications strategy to raise public awareness of air pollution, including the actions the government and other public bodies are taking, and the actions individuals can take to protect their health and reduce their contributions.
5. Work with the relevant professional health bodies and regulators to upskill health care professionals on the health impacts of air pollution, enabling health care professionals to provide appropriate actionable health advice to the public and susceptible groups.
6. The teaching of air quality information in schools should be strengthened.
7. Review currently available air quality toolkits that can be utilised by organisations to communicate air quality information. Suitable existing material should be promoted and where appropriate new resources should be created.
8. Update the Daily Air Quality Index (DAQI) and associated advice in line with the latest evidence.
9. Develop a long-term air quality statement suitable for the public.
10. Review, update and expand the existing alerts system.
11. Air quality information provided by government should continue to develop in line with advice from expert groups. As part of implementing any changes to the AQIS an evaluation should be undertaken.
Professor Sir Stephen Holgate, Clinical Professor of Immunopharmacology and UKRI Clean Air Champion, said: ‘The Air Quality Information System (AQIS) Review recognises not only the importance of air quality to people but also the critical role it plays as an unrecognised contributor to poor health.
‘The careful work that has gone into this review means that, in future, providing air pollution advice to the public and at-risk groups will draw on the very latest evidence, communicated widely, and in the most accessible way.’
Jonathan Blades, Head of Policy at Asthma + Lung UK, said: ‘This review – which the charity was involved in – is a step in the right direction and we look forward to working with the government to implement the recommendations as a matter of urgency.
‘Better air quality information will benefit us all, especially the millions of people who currently live with a lung condition in the UK, as it means people can make more informed decisions about their emissions and exposure. We hope to build on this positive dialogue with the government to make clean air a real legacy for generations to come.’
The full report, as well as supplementary information, can be downloaded here.