Air pollution

Why is air pollution an issue?

According to the Global Burden of Disease study (GBD), around half of global deaths related to outdoor air pollution are caused by coronary heart disease or stroke. 

BHF-funded research has shown that high levels of air pollution can have a detrimental effect on heart health, making existing heart conditions worse and even leading to the development of new health problems. We know that people with existing health problems such as coronary heart disease may be more at risk from a heart attack or stroke due to air pollution, but exposure to these harmful pollutants affects everyone’s health, and is an urgent issue.

Two of the most common and harmful types of air pollutants for health are nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and particulate matter (PM). BHF research has identified that there is a particularly strong link between poor heart and circulatory health and particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometres (that’s a thirtieth of the width of a strand of hair). This is known as PM2.5 and comes from sources including diesel vehicle emissions, tyre and brake wear, and wood burning.

Is there a safe level of exposure to PM2.5?

The World Health Organization (WHO) says that there is no safe level of exposure to PM_2.5. However, they do recommend guideline targets that minimise the harm to human health.

The UK’s current legal limit for PM_2.5 allows for dirtier air than the level recommended by the WHO. The UK Government has set a target to reduce annual PM_2.5 levels to 10 micrograms per cubic metre by 2040, double the guideline limit recommended by the WHO to reduce health harms. 

While most areas of England are now below the Government’s target level of PM_2.5, it is estimated that 96% of people living in England are exposed to levels that exceed the WHO guidelines, leaving many people exposed to dangerous levels of these particles. 

Air pollution is also strongly associated with health inequalities, as people who are living in more deprived areas are significantly more likely to be exposed to higher levels of air pollution. 

Action the BHF supports to address the health risks from air pollution

Image: Dr Mark Miller, expert in the health effects of air pollution, at the BHF reception for the ‘We’re full of it’ campaign.

BHF has highlighted key research findings to the Government to ensure a better understanding of the link between exposure to PM_2.5 and poor heart and circulatory health.

In 2020, we launched a campaign, called ‘We’re all full of it’. The campaign called for the WHO’s guideline limits for PM_2.5 to be adopted into law with a target to achieve this by 2030.

The Government subsequently introduced the Environment Act 2021, but the PM_2.5 target adopted stops short of current WHO guidelines by 5 micrograms per cubic metre. Therefore, we continue to push for stricter limits to be introduced as soon as possible, alongside a clear, structured plan for monitoring air pollution.