Air quality

Clean air is essential for life, health, the environment and the economy. Government must act to tackle air pollution which shortens lives. We have already acted to reduce concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) around roads from cars. But vehicles are not the only source of harmful emissions. Air pollution is a result of the way we currently generate power, heat our homes, produce food, manufacture consumer goods and power transport.

Air pollution can affect pregnant women, children, young people, adults and the elderly. Short term effects of air pollution are exacerbation of asthma, cough, wheezing and shortness of breath. Long-term effects are stroke, lung cancer, respiratory conditions and cardiovascular disease resulting in reduced life expectancy.