UK must act to protect children from risks of air pollution, say paediatricians

The UK government must take stronger action to protect children from the serious health harms of air pollution, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) has urged.

In an updated position statement,1 the college highlighted the latest scientific evidence showing the impact poor air quality is having on childrens’ health. It said the Westminster government and local authorities must take action to combat sources of two of the most harmful pollutants: fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) and nitrogen dioxide.

PM_2.5 can be breathed deep into the lungs and absorbed into the bloodstream, affecting children’s developing organs, exacerbating respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and increasing the chance of developing long term …