Thursday, 19 June 2025, is Clean Air Day in the UK. This day is used to increase awareness of the state of the air that we breathe each day. Air pollution is viewed as one of the biggest threats to our nation’s health.
Air pollution is not a new problem. People have been complaining about air pollution in large English cities since the 1200’s. Fifteen years ago, the UK government said that air pollution costs the country upwards of £10 billion every year. In the last year alone, air pollution was at least partially to blame for 43,000 early, preventable deaths. And in 2013, highlighting the severity of the problem, air pollution was listed as the main cause of death for the first time for a child called Ella, in London.
Air pollution comes from several sources, both inside and outside your home. It used to be mainly from coal and industry, however, in the last dozen years – because of the greening of the grid – transport has become the most polluting industry.
Electric trains, cars and buses are better, but other vehicles continue to spout many environmental pollutants and small particulate matter which also gets breathed in and stuck to our lungs. To make matters worse, the most vulnerable and poorest amongst us tend to feel this much worse. You are exposed to more or less air pollution based on where you live. People in cities living closer together and close to busy roads will experience more pollution problems. Children, the elderly, and those living in the most deprived areas are most at risk. It is important now more than ever that we think about how we travel and how we transport goods – Find out more about the causes, effects and actions you can take today for you, your children and the planet.
There are also many sources of indoor air pollution that can harm health. We spend 90% of our time inside, we really need to make better choices to make sure we are breathing clean air at home too. The use of wood stoves and open fires is one of the biggest contributors to Particulate Matter pollution. Many of our homes are also poorly ventilated and suffering from damp and mould. Find out more information on how to reduce pollution at home through our energy projects. We can help you:
- Reduce your carbon emissions
- Save money on energy bills
- Make simple changes for a more energy efficient home
- Improve your health and well-being
Ask your MP to commit to championing clean air and sign the Clean Air Day petition through this link.
For more information on how to reduce pollution get in touch, to discuss energy usage, contact Jason, and for everything Active Travel, contact Lisa.
Visit the Clean Air Hub to find out all you need to know about air pollution. Use the clean air calculator and planning tools to help you understand the problem, avoid polluted air, and reduce the air pollution you create, both indoors and out.