Clean Air Strategy Review: Targeting Indoor Air Pollution

Air pollution accounts for tens of thousands of premature deaths in the UK annually, and scores more cases of chronic ill health, debilitating complications, and billions in annual avoidable health and economic costs.

To achieve a gear shift in public health outcomes, action to address air pollution should focus on where exposure is gravest. Around 90% of our time is spent indoors, the majority of which is spent in the home. Tackling air pollution in homes and other indoor spaces is a public health imperative, as highlighted in the CMO Chris Whitty’s 2022 annual report.

The UK has a suite of statutory commitments and policies for improving ambient (outdoor) air quality, but responsible authorities lack the same targets, guidance and support to address indoor air quality. There is, as such, typically limited and disjointed action to prevent and address exposure to air pollution in indoor spaces.

The Government’s impending Clean Air Strategy is a chance to refocus on the indoors.

With participation from clean air leaders including the UK Health Security Agency, the York-based Stockholm Environment Institute, the Global Air Quality Standard initiative and more, this event will consider how the new Clean Air Strategy can finally set the necessary goals and framework for delivering healthy air indoors.

For more information and if interested in joining the event, please contact our colleagues Gaelan and Lavanya via gaelan.komen@policyconnect.org.uk, and lavanya.rangarajan@policyconnect.org.uk.