New platform aims to tackle confusion around air pollution

A new platform has been launched which aims to be a comprehensive ‘one-stop shop’ for information about air pollution.

The Clean Air Hub, backed by Defra and Public Health England, has been released by the team behind the Clean Air Day air pollution campaign, and gives guidance on the sources of air pollution and simple ways to reduce it in the home and outdoors as well as informing the public on how air pollution affects people’s health.

The initiative follows recent Clean Air Day research that revealed 94% of the public think that reducing air pollution should be a priority for the UK, but only 16% knew where to go to for advice on air pollution.

Meanwhile, 76% of people surveyed said that they would find more public information campaigns on air pollution helpful, a higher number than for healthy eating (70%), smoking (57%), physical activity (68%) or sexual health (59%).

All the information on the Hub has been reviewed by academics and public health bodies, and is regularly updated.

As well as air pollution information and advice aimed at the public, the Hub contains information on initiatives to reduce air pollution from organisations such as hospitals and van fleets, and the latest research into air pollution and its effect on public health.

Chris Large, senior partner at Global Action Plan, the environment charity behind Clean Air Day: ‘We’ve been monitoring public understanding of air pollution for some time, and while it’s been improving, there is no one place people can go to find out how to protect themselves.

‘This has now changed with the launch of the Clean Air Hub. Our aim is to make sure nobody is left in a cloud of confusion when it comes to avoiding damage to health and minimising local pollution. ‘

Dr Karen Exley, group leader of Air Quality and Public Health at PHE, added: ‘Air pollution is associated with a range of health conditions including heart disease, lung cancer and asthma.

‘It’s also costing our health service billions of pounds a year. While the Government is introducing measures to reduce air pollution, individuals have a part to play too, so we wholeheartedly welcome this initiative.’