Air pollution problem is far from being solved

The air pollution situation is no more safe, Dame Sally Davies said. The government has to do more to reduce it, by introducing new national standards. 

Dame Sally Davies, who was appointed England’s chief medical officer, says pollution must be seen as a public health issue and not just an environmental concern. In her annual report, Davies said leaving decisions on reducing toxic air to local authorities risked creating confusion for drivers and inconsistent implementation.

She said: «Instead of being seen as a health issue, pollution is often seen primarily as an environmental problem. This needs to change. As a society we need to regain a focus on pollution as a threat to human health.»

The government’s air quality plain is poor and unlawful, high court said, and it fails to produce adequate plans to reduce air pollution, which contributes to as many as 40,000 deaths a year in the UK only, especially between people with respiratory problems, children and people who is most exposed to the pollutants. 

«Pollution should be recognised for what it is – a significant cause of non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular disease, cancer and asthma. Addressing pollution is therefore disease prevention.» Davies said.