This #AskAboutAsthma week, let’s talk about air pollution
By Alice P, Mums for Lungs
#AskAboutAsthma is a timely reminder of the importance of lung health. But did you know that air pollution, a silent culprit, is often overlooked as a major contributor to respiratory problems, especially in children?
Air pollution isn’t a distant, abstract problem. It’s in our homes, our streets, our lungs. While my motivation behind writing is born from my own family’s inhaler prescriptions in the short time between the end of lockdown and now, I’m now focussed on awareness of the problem for everyone. I want politicians to contribute to helping the population understand the truth. I want every person to be aware of the quality of the air they are breathing.
It’s a heart-wrenching reality: the peaceful, rhythmic breathing of a sleeping child can turn into a terrifying sequence of wheezing and coughing. A nightmare many parents face, a nightmare often linked to the air we breathe.
Air pollution can significantly increase the risk of asthma attacks and other respiratory illnesses in children. Even low levels of pollution can have a harmful impact on children’s developing lungs. Sadly, research also suggests a link between air pollution and fertility, including increased miscarriage rates and reduced chances of successful IVF treatment.
We must demand better air quality monitoring and education. Support policies that prioritise public transport and walking. And most importantly, talk about it. Share your concerns with friends, family, and neighbours or even join a campaign group such as Mums for Lungs . This isn’t about blame or shame. It’s about recognising a problem and doing something about it. For our kids. Our fixation on convenience is killing people.
Every car journey, every wood burner is a small but significant contribution to this silent epidemic. Every journey you choose to walk instead of drive, every conversation with your neighbours about air quality, every question you ask your local representatives – these are small steps that can create a big impact.
Let’s start by asking questions:
- How can we access accurate information about air quality in our local area?
- What steps can we take as individuals and communities to improve air quality?
- How can we encourage policymakers to prioritise air quality and invest in cleaner transport and energy solutions?
Let’s talk about the silent killer in our midst. It’s in our homes, our schools, our playgrounds. And it’s slowly poisoning our children.
This #AskAboutAsthma week, let’s also ask about air quality.