UK air pollution 'linked to 40,000 early deaths a year'

The Royal Colleges of Physicians and of Paediatrics and Child Health have said that outdoor air pollution is contributing to about 40,000 early deaths a year in the UK. The colleges also claim that diesel emissions have been poorly controlled and that the dangers of indoor air pollution have been overlooked. Tobacco still poses the biggest indoor threat, but wood-burning stoves, cleaning products and air fresheners can contribute. One of the authors of the report, Professor Jonathan Grigg, claimed that there was now clear evidence that air pollution, largely from factories and traffic, was linked to heart disease and lung problems, including asthma. With asthma alone costing the NHS an estimated £1bn a year, Grigg called on policy makers to consider the health and financial implications of long-term exposure.

The report also highlights the often overlooked section of our environment - that of indoor space. Factors such as kitchen products, faulty boilers, open fires, fly sprays and air fresheners, all of which can cause poor air quality in our homes, workspaces and schools.

As a result the report offers a number of major reform proposals setting out what must be done if we are to tackle the problem of air pollution.

These include:

Put the onus on polluters. Polluters must be required to take responsibility for harming our health. Political leaders at a local, national and EU level must introduce tougher regulations, including reliable emissions testing for cars.

Polluters must be required to take responsibility for harming our health. Political leaders at a local, national and EU level must introduce tougher regulations, including reliable emissions testing for cars. Local authorities need to act to protect public health when air pollution levels are high. When these limits are exceeded, local authorities must have the power to close or divert roads to reduce the volume of traffic, especially near schools.

When these limits are exceeded, local authorities have the power to close or divert roads to reduce the volume of traffic, especially near schools. Monitor air pollution effectively. Air pollution monitoring by central and local government must track exposure to harmful pollutants in major urban areas and near schools. These results should then be communicated proactively to the public in a clear way that everyone can understand.

Air pollution monitoring by central and local government must track exposure to harmful pollutants in major urban areas and near schools. These results should then be communicated proactively to the public in a clear way that everyone can understand. Quantify the relationship between indoor air pollution and health . We must strengthen our understanding of the key risk factors and effects of poor air quality in our homes, schools and workplaces. A coordinated effort is required to develop and apply any necessary policy changes.

. We must strengthen our understanding of the key risk factors and effects of poor air quality in our homes, schools and workplaces. A coordinated effort is required to develop and apply any necessary policy changes. Define the economic impact of air pollution. Air pollution damages not only our physical health, but also our economic wellbeing. We need further research into the economic benefits of well designed policies to tackle it.

Air pollution damages not only our physical health, but also our economic wellbeing. We need further research into the economic benefits of well designed policies to tackle it. Lead by example within the NHS. The health service must no longer be a major polluter; it must lead by example and set the benchmark for clean air and safe workplaces.

The report also emphasises how the public can do their part to reduce pollutant exposure. Noting the impact collective action can have on the future levels of air pollution in our communities.

Suggestions include:

trying alternatives to car travel or preferably taking the active option: bus, train, walking and cycling

aiming for energy efficiency in our homes

keeping gas appliances and solid fuel burners in good repair

learning more about air quality and staying informed.

As part of this work the RCP has created '6 steps to breathing better air' for the general public:

B e aware of the air quality where you live

R eplace old gas appliances in your home

E nsure you have an energy efficient home

A lter how you travel. Take the active travel option: bus, train, walking and cycling

T alk to your MP

H arness technology to stay informed and monitor air pollution effectively