Tackling air pollution will be the subject of a new inquiry by
MPs on the Environmental Audit Committee, launched today.
MPs will explore the impacts air pollution has on health across
different communities in England, and on the environment, such as
through reduced crops, acid rain or biodiversity loss.
They will explore whether Government's current air quality
targets are adequate to protect health and the environment, and
how these compare with standards by other bodies, such as the
World Health Organisation.
Air pollution is a serious threat to both public health and the
natural environment. It has been linked to heart disease,
strokes, cancer, asthma and impacts on lung development in
children. Tens of thousands of lives are being shortened in the
UK by air pollution, according to the Chair of the Environment
Agency.
Through the inquiry, MPs will also consider whether local
authorities in England have the resources they need to monitor
air quality and enforce existing rules. MPs may consider examples
of best practice abroad, and what lessons these might have for
policy in England.
The new inquiry is the result of the Committee's ‘The Environment
in Focus' exercise, which saw MPs hear pitches for their next
inquiry from a range of academic experts and advocates. The
winning pitch was given by Jemima Hartshorn, founder of campaign
group Mums for Lungs and Dr Nat Easton, who researches air
quality at the University of Southampton.
To read the full terms of reference or submit evidence, please visit the
Committee's website.
Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee, MP, said:
“Air pollution is a scourge of our precious natural environment
and a profound threat to our health. Its impacts are not spread
evenly; evidence suggest it disproportionately affects some of
our society's most disadvantaged groups. Any just transition to a
net zero society needs to tackle this problem with urgency.
I look forward to hearing evidence from experts on air
pollution's impact on health and the environment, as well as
campaigners and the government bodies responsible for addressing
air pollution. I encourage anyone with expertise or experience in
these areas to give evidence to our inquiry.”
