15 March 2018 – The joint Select Committees report on improving air quality has found that current air pollution levels in the UK are threatening to cause a children’s health crisis. The findings identified children as one of the most vulnerable groups to the devastating impact of air pollution, along with the elderly and people with existing health conditions.

The report is urging the Government to develop its air pollution policies from a health perspective, rather than focusing on transport and environment. Unicef UK is calling for the Government to include specific policies to protect children, whose later lives can be significantly impacted by the effect of air pollution on their development.

Responding to the report, Amy Gibbs, Director for Advocacy at Unicef UK, said:  “Today’s report reiterates Unicef UK’s concerns that toxic air pollution levels in the UK are putting children’s lives at risk. A lack of safe and clean air can permanently damage brain tissue, limit lung growth and weaken immune systems, leaving children with reduced cognitive development and susceptible to conditions like asthma.

“While a public health campaign will help people to better understand the impact of air pollution, fundamentally children should not be exposed to these devastating health risks through the air they breathe in our parks, playgrounds and schools.

“The upcoming government strategy on improving air quality must include specific considerations which protect children and ensure that our towns and cities across the UK are places for happy, healthy development.”

–ENDS–

For more information, please contact:

Unicef UK Media Team, 0207 375 6030, [email protected]

About Unicef

Unicef is the world’s leading organisation for children, promoting the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.

Unicef UK raises funds to protect children in danger, transform their lives and build a safer world for tomorrow’s children. As a registered charity we raise funds through donations from individuals, organisations and companies and we lobby and campaign to keep children safe. Unicef UK also runs programmes in schools, hospitals and with local authorities in the UK. For more information please visit  unicef.org.uk.