I really worry about the harmful effects that air pollution could be having on my family

Abdul, 23, from Hull, has recently learnt more about the dangers of air pollution by taking part in a workshop for young people run by our Fairer and Healthier Air project.

Abdul, Asthma + Lung UK supporter
Published 17th August 2026

My little brother is only eight years old, but he has had respiratory problems for a few years now. He lives with my family in a quite deprived area of Hull city centre, which is well known for having heavy traffic congestion. 

I grew up there and played out all the time, but I never really noticed the air pollution then. You don’t notice something when it’s the same every day and you can’t see it. 

I don’t think a lot of people realise the real risks of air pollution until it directly affects them or their own family.

I've realised toxic air is a social justice issue

Neither of my parents can drive. That’s the reason why we stayed living in the city centre - because we had access to everything we needed there, like the shops, the bank and the mosque nearby. 

People who don’t have as much money, who maybe can’t afford a car, are more likely to need to live in areas like these where there are higher levels of air pollution.

Taking part in Asthma + Lung UK’s OUR AIR, OUR VOICES inclusive policy project for young people from London has really made me think about the social injustice of exposure to air pollution. 

It’s made me reflect on the fact that I’ve been more exposed to higher levels of toxic air than other young people just because of where I grew up. 

Moving to London really showed the inequality

I moved to London four years ago to go to university, and living in different areas of the city has made me really aware of the inequalities caused by toxic air. 

For a while, I lived in Peckham right next to the Old Kent Road, which has four lanes of traffic and is constantly busy. It reminded me a lot of Hull, where I grew up. 

When I cycled from Peckham into central London to go to university, I had to ride right next to the buses and cars most of the way and was exposed to all of their fumes. 

But I’ve moved further out to a wealthier area of West London recently and there’s a stark contrast. My journey into university is much nicer now. The roads are quieter, there seem to be more electric vehicles and I can ride on completely separate cycle lanes most of the way. 

It’s not fair that people living in poorer areas are more exposed to air pollution and at greater risk of developing respiratory problems. Everyone has the right to breathe clean air.

Read more about the OUR AIR, OUR VOICES project.

 

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