Air pollution is a major environmental health problem, contributing to 1 in 19 deaths in the UK from respiratory conditions, strokes, heart disease, and cancer.
Air becomes polluted when it contains substances which can have a harmful effect on health and the environment. A silent killer, air pollution, affects the most vulnerable in our communities especially children and older people. Poor air quality puts people with asthma at an increased risk of having an asthma attack as pollution can quickly irritate the airways and trigger or worsen asthma symptoms. As Scotland’s only dedicated asthma charity, Asthma and Allergy Foundation, work to ensure that people living with asthma and allergies are supported and empowered to live healthy, active and symptoms-free lives.
At the start of the month, the Charity launched its “Love is in the Air” campaign to promote discussions on the impact of air pollution on our health and environment, and what must be done by the government, organisations, communities and individuals to clean up our air in Scotland.
Health promotion manager, Dami Jaiyesimi, who is championing this campaign says “Clean air is essential for a good quality of life, not just for people living with asthma and allergies but for everyone. In the wake of recent reports highlighting the shocking statistics on Scotland’s poor quality of air, there is no better time than now to have these conversations.
Reducing air pollution and taking the necessary steps to clean up the air in our city is everybody’s responsibility. It requires a coordinated and sustained effort with the active involvement of the government, organisations, communities and individuals”.
The government and local councils play a major role in reducing air pollution by introducing various initiatives to improve air quality such as air quality monitoring, introducing low emission zones in high traffic areas, encouraging alternative means of travel such as walking, cycling or using public transport where possible, and raising public awareness on the effect of domestic combustion.. Likewise, organisations should adopt internal practices and encourage habits that reduce air pollution amongst its employees; and managing your activities as an individual will go a long way in solving our environmental problems.
Throughout February – the month of “love”, the charity will be sharing educative information and resources across different media platforms on how we can all work together to make a difference.
For more information about the Love is in the Air campaign or to support Asthma and Allergy Foundation, call (01224)973001, email: info@asthmaandallergy.org.uk, or visit: www.asthmaandallergy.org.uk
