The invisible threat

We set out new analysis showing people who are the most susceptible are being exposed in the places they should feel most safe and call for politicians to immediately commit to air pollution health protection plans and stronger clean air laws before it’s too late.

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Our new report examines the unfair ways air pollution is affecting the most disadvantaged communities. This invisible threat is a health emergency. 

It is harmful for everyone, but some groups are being hit hardest – pregnant women, children, older people, those living with lung conditions and those on the lowest incomes.

Our five clean air priorities

Across the four nations clean air policy looks slightly different, but we want all politicians to:

  1. Set out ambitious clean air laws that are underpinned by world-leading health targets to safeguard people’s health and deliver cleaner air as soon as possible.
  2. Publish new plans to protect people from air pollution that seek to address health inequalities and defend those at higher risk. ]
  3. Vastly improve public information on air pollution by establishing air pollution alerts, funding public health campaigns and training health professionals. To make sure those most vulnerable can protect themselves.  
  4. Set out funding and guidance for traffic reduction measures around care homes, schools and hospitals so that pollution reduction is targeted to the areas where at-risk groups are most likely to be. 
  5. Commit to inclusive walking and cycling policies that enable everyone to be part of the solution to toxic air. This should include the funding and extension of safe cycling paths, the banning of pavement parking and financial support for e-bike purchases.