‘Every breath we take: the lifelong impact of air pollution’ presents that the harm from air pollution is not just linked to short-term episodes but is a long-term problem with lifelong implications.

The report, which includes a chapter by Professor John Henderson from Children of the 90s, notes examples from right across an individual’s lifespan, from a baby’s first weeks in the womb through to the years of older age.

Examples include, the adverse effects of air pollution on the development of the fetus, including lung and kidney development, and miscarriage; increases in heart attacks and strokes for those in later life; and the associated links to asthma, diabetes, dementia, obesity and cancer for the wider population.

In relation to asthma, the report stresses the significant point that after years of debate, there is now compelling evidence that air pollution is associated with both reduced lung growth in childhood and new onset asthma in children and in adults – whilst highlighting that air pollution increases the severity of asthma for those with the disease.

In recent years the dangers of outdoor air pollution have been well documented however, the report highlights the often overlooked section of our environment – that of indoor space. Factors such as, kitchen products, faulty boilers, open fires, fly sprays and air fresheners, all of which can cause poor air quality in our homes, workspaces and schools. According to the report indoor air pollution may have caused or contributed to 99,000 deaths annually in Europe.

Although government and the World Health Organization (WHO) set ‘acceptable’ limits for various pollutants in our air, the report states that there is in fact no level of exposure that can be seen to be safe, with any exposure carrying an associated risk.

As a result, the report offers a number of major reform proposals setting out what must be done if we are to tackle the problem of air pollution.

These include:

 Put the onus on polluters. Polluters must be required to take responsibility for harming our health. Political leaders at a local, national and EU level must introduce tougher regulations, including reliable emissions testing for cars.

 Local authorities need to act to protect public health when air pollution levels are high. When these limits are exceeded, local authorities must have the power to close or divert roads to reduce the volume of traffic, especially near schools.

 Monitor air pollution effectively. Air pollution monitoring by central and local government must track exposure to harmful pollutants in major urban areas and near schools. These results should then be communicated proactively to the public in a clear way that everyone can understand.

 Quantify the relationship between indoor air pollution and health. We must strengthen our understanding of the key risk factors and effects of poor our quality in our homes, schools and workplaces. A coordinated effort is required to develop and apply any necessary policy changes.

 Define the economic impact of air pollution. Air pollution damages not only our physical health, but also our economic wellbeing. We need further research into the economic benefits of well-designed policies to tackle it.

 Lead by example within the NHS. The health service must no longer be a major polluter; it must lead by example and set the benchmark for clean air and safe workplaces.

The report also emphasises how the public can do their part to reduce pollutant exposure. Noting the impact collective action can have on the future levels of air pollution in our communities.

Suggestions include:

 trying alternatives to car travel or preferably taking the active option: bus, train, walking and cycling

 aiming for energy efficiency in our homes

 keeping gas appliances and solid fuel burners in good repair

 learning more about air quality and staying informed.

Professor John Henderson who co-wrote the chapter ‘In the beginning: protecting our future generations’, said:

Air pollution exposure during the rapid period of development in early life, including before birth, can have long-lasting effects that cause ill health throughout life. However, some of these early effects are “hidden” in childhood and don't cause symptoms until later in life. This has meant that not enough attention has been given to controlling exposure to air pollution at these crucial times.