Pollution: the effects and support available

News - 5 April 2024

Pollution is the introduction of harmful materials into the environment. These harmful materials are called pollutants. Pollutants can be caused naturally and by human activity. Pollutants damage the quality of air, water, and land and can greatly impact the health of human-beings causing respiratory issues and other diseases.
Women wearing a face mask to protect her from the air pollution happening in the background

Air pollution is contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) data show that almost all of the global population (99%) breathe air that exceeds the WHO guidelines limits and contains high levels of pollutants, with low- and middle-income countries suffering from the highest exposures.

Vulnerable groups include children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with long-term conditions. The Greater London Authority estimated that in 2019 the equivalent of between 3,600 to 4,100 deaths were attributable to air pollution in the city. More needs to be done to help tackle local air pollution and raise health awareness.

Protecting yourself from air pollution:

It’s important if you are vulnerable to protect yourself appropriately. During periods of high pollution, you should try to avoid extended time outdoors, by limiting your time spent outdoors it can help reduce the amount of air pollutants inhaled and the negative impacts on your health. However, it is important to remember that exercise is important for good health, and everyone should be encouraged to walk and exercise regularly.

There are several services that are available to make it easier to track when it is best to go outdoors and to track when the pollution levels are high or low. You’re able to download the ‘London Air’ app, which is available on iPhone and android. This app will provide a detailed breakdown of London’s pollution levels and gives you alerts on what’s going on.

There is also ‘airtext’ available which is a service you can use for daily air quality and pollution levels in your area. It is a free SMS and online alert system.

Resources:

Hammersmith and Fulham Asthma + Lung UK support group: Make new friends who know what you’re going through and learn more about living with a lung condition.
Learn more.

Mums for Lungs: A organisation who care about air pollution for mums, children, and babies in particular.
Learn more.

Events:

Hearts and Lungs singing group: A fun, friendly and therapeutic singing group for cardiac and respiratory patients based in Tooting, London.

Help them continue their vital work.
Donate today.

We live and breathe: An organisation coming together to fight for change and making noise for clean air specifically in the South London area. 
Learn more here.

Do you have more information or resources we can add to this article? Email communications@wandcareall.org.uk, and let’s support each other.

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