We can all do something to help towards lowering air pollution
Today marks Clean Air Day. With air pollution deemed responsible for up to 36,000 UK deaths annually, and a global pandemic highlighting the importance of clean air, campaigners hope for increased awareness of their message this year.
In a recent survey commissioned by West Sussex-based air purifier company Goji Air, 73 per cent of the UK population said they were concerned about air pollution, which improved during lockdown but has returned to previous levels.
An increasing public health issue, in some south eastern areas, including locations in the Horsham district, analysis has suggested that safe limits are being breached.
Acknowledged by The World Health Organisation and the Ukgovernment as the largest environmental health risk faced today, air pollution is linked to heart and lung disease, low birth weight and children’s lung development. It is also believed that it may link to mental health issues.
Chris Large, CO-CEO of Global Action Plan, said: “It is impossible to solve the air quality across the country unless we have all parties playing their part: employers, members of the public, local authorities, central government, car companies and public transport providers. We all need to collaborate.”
Aidan
Salter, from
Billingshurst-based Goji Air UK is also urging residents to support Clean Air Day, but acknowledges big changes to lifestyle are not always practical.
“It’s not always as easy as simply not using the car. Not everyone works locally and public transport doesn’t always offer a competitivelypriced alternative, but I do believe we can all make small steps in the direction of positive change.
“Making changes where you can is really important. When the Goji Air purifier was developed, for example, it was key to create a system that didn’t host hazardous waste in the filter, which in turn ends upbackintheenvironmentvia landfill, and so compounds air pollution (happily, scientists successfully created a reactor that actually converts volatile organic compounds, so no nasties are returned into the
earth. They also engineered a portable version, ensuring clean air on public transport, at your desk – wherever.).
“But whether it is installing an air purifier, walking to school or work even a couple of times a week, opting for a greener car or lobbying your MP or councillor to be vocal about air pollution, we can all do something. ”
More information: www. cl eanairhub. org. uk #Cleanairday Goji Air: www. gojiair.co.uk