Air pollution 'contributing to health inequalities in the South'
A new report claims those in deprived areas are feeling more of the harmful effects
A new report claims that air pollution could be widening health inequalities in the South, with those in the region's most deprived areas more affected.
The research, compiled by experts and scientists for the group Clean Air South, says poor air quality is helping to contribute to deprivation, hampering productivity and putting strain on local health services.
It claims that cutting air pollution by just one fifth in Southampton alone could result in 150 fewer children experiencing low lung function every year.
Meanwhile, the report also cites Portsmouth City Council data which estimates that 6.2% of deaths in 2022 in the city were attributable to long-term exposure to particulate air pollution.
The report's co-author John Boswell, Professor of Politics and International Relations at the University of Southampton, said that those who contribute least to the problem of emissions are also the most exposed to it, and those most harmed by its damaging effects.
He added:
“Socially and economically disadvantaged groups are more likely to live near busy roads, have less access to green space, and live in densely populated areas, and are more likely to live in housing with inadequate ventilation and poor indoor air quality.
"But they are also the least likely to own a car or to travel as far for work, education and leisure."
The region’s port cities of Southampton and Portsmouth are more polluted than rural areas, with 15 Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) between them, representing around half of those in the Central South region.
AQMAs are areas where national air quality objectives are not met, or unlikely to be met, and where local authorities must put a plan in place to improve air quality.
The report says progress is being made to improve air quality in the region, with 14 AQMAs being revoked by Hampshire County Council between 2010 and 202, and a further two revoked by Fareham Borough Council last year.
But the report also points out that the UK’s air quality requirements are significantly less stringent than those recommended by the World Health Organisation, and recommends local authorities strive for these cleaner air targets.
Sue Littlemore, Director of Civic University at Southampton, who commissioned the report, said:
"We know local authorities have a limited range of powers to improve air quality, but they are not powerless.
"They do have policy levers to manage traffic, control domestic burning, and provide public health information.
"There are several quick wins that can help to build the case for more fundamental changes, for example educating health professionals about the adverse effects of poor air quality, given evidence suggests nearly four in five are currently unaware."
The report emphasises the need for collaborative action between national and local government departments, as well as with industry.
It points to successful work between the Environment Agency, New Forest District Council and Fawley Oil Refinery to improve air quality, as well as other national and international successes.
Prof William Rosenberg, Chair of Wessex Health Partners, says:
"Many of the levers to drive meaningful change lie within the private sector. Evidence shows that productive collaboration among stakeholders is a key cornerstone for port cities like Southampton and Portsmouth.
"However, decades of public health research indicates that industry initiatives alone are rarely enough to address the negative externalities of their activities, and that national and local governments have an important role to play in driving standards, monitoring effectiveness and ensuring accountability."