PHE North West supports National Clean Air Day

Public Health England

Thursday 15 June is the UK’s first ever National Clean Air Day and PHE North West is encouraging people to get involved to help reduce air pollution.

Despite improvements in air quality in recent decades, air pollution remains a significant risk to health in the UK, but if we all take steps to reduce emissions we could improve the air we breathe.

• Councils should make air pollution a factor in strategic plans
• Businesses should take measures to reduce air pollution and thereby improve fuel efficiency
• The public should consider changing their travel habits, particularly near schools 

Dr Will Welfare, from PHE North West, said: “Air pollution increases the risk of some serious illnesses, and can make existing conditions, like respiratory disorders, worse. We all need to do our bit to reduce air pollution; everyone has a role to play.

"Relatively small things, for example, people walking or cycling to work and school and taking public transport when possible will help improve health through exercise, limit air pollution and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

"Councils should consider introducing no idling areas outside schools, hospitals and in traffic related air pollution hotspots. Businesses should schedule deliveries to minimise congestion, encourage staff to cycle to work and educate their drivers to develop an energy efficient style.

Greater Manchester is a WHO BreatheLife City Region, the first in the UK and there is a strong commitment on improving air quality from a range of organisations.