Air pollution exacerbating NHS winter crisis, say doctors

AIR pollution is making the NHS winter crisis worse, 175 doctors and health professionals have warned Boris Johnson in a letter.

The group pointed to a “public health crisis” as wards and GP surgeries are clogged up with thousands of cases of asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia made worse by air pollution.

In the letter, to be published in The Times, they wrote: “Thousands of children and adults are in hospital or waiting rooms with conditions such as respiratory diseases, bronchitis and pneumonia who would not be there if air pollution was reduced.

“Air pollution isn’t just associated with conditions such as lung cancer or asthma, it can also trigger heart attacks, strokes and has been linked with diabetes and depression.

“The hospitals and surgeries we work in are overwhelmed, particularly in A&E, and the severe pressures in the winter months are being exacerbated by preventable causes. This is a public health crisis.” The letter urges Mr Johnson to use the Queen’s Speech to commit more cash, as well as setting a legally binding target to meet World Health Organisation guidelines for PM2.5 (particulate matter) pollution by 2030. One of the signatories of the letter is Prof Stephen Holgate, one of three Clean Air Champions appointed by UK Research and Innovation and the Met Office.

Prof Holgate, who is clinical professor of immunopharmacology at the University of Southampton, said: “Air pollution is the public health problem of our time. The Government must give this the highest priority.”

Dr Rob Hughes, senior fellow at the Clean Air Fund, said: “It’s critical that the Government addresses the root causes of this crisis, including clearing the toxic air.”

The Government said: “We are committed to cleaning up our air as well as setting strict new laws on air quality. This builds on our £3.5billion plan to improve air quality and reduce harmful emissions.”