Burnham urged to launch inquiry into unequal health impacts of air pollution

The government must hold an inquiry into the unequal impacts of air pollution, as urged by 150 scientists, MPs, and activists. Research by the Institute for Fiscal Studies indicates that lower-income areas across England consistently experience higher levels of air pollution compared to wealthier regions. Additionally, minority-ethnic populations are exposed to air pollution levels approximately 6% higher than those experienced by white populations.

In a letter signed by prominent figures, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, Prime Minister Andy Burnham is being urged to initiate a national inquiry into the health impacts of air pollution on these vulnerable groups. Exposure to air pollution is linked to serious health issues such as heart disease, strokes, cancer, asthma, and adverse effects on lung development in children.

Despite these alarming statistics, the letter highlights that the UK currently lacks a dedicated mechanism to address these health inequalities. Air pollution originates from various sources, including wood-burning stoves and industrial fossil fuel burning, but traffic emissions from petrol and diesel vehicles are the leading threat to clean air.