'Dangerously high' pollution levels affecting nearly 2 in 3 Swindon care homes
A new report has unveiled damning figures
Last updated 8th Sep 2021
More than 63% of care homes across the Swindon borough are being affected by "dangerously high" pollution levels.
That is according to a new report from the Economist Intelligence Unit, investigating the correlation between global warming and respiratory health issues.
It claims that many people aged over 65 across England are living in "pollution black spots".
In London, the study says 98% of care homes are affected by "dangerously high" particulate matter pollution. In Oxford the corresponding figure is 95% - 63.5% for Swindon.
'Respiratory health issues are exacerbated by the climate crisis'
‘Climate change and its impact on lung health: a focus on Europe’ was commissioned by the pharmaceutical firm Chiesi.
Greatest Hits Radio has spoken to Tom Delahoyde, Managing Director of Chiesi UK.
"Everybody is talking about climate change, it's almost a trendy thing to talk about, but the consequences can sometimes feel far away and abstract.
"It's happening now, and we need to take urgent action now, to protect people's health - as well as improve what is going on with our climate.
"Respiratory health issues are exacerbated by the climate crisis, which is putting vulnerable people at most risk and further worsening inequality in our society," he said.
The report also claims there are several repercussions from of the climate crisis, that are adversely affecting people's lung health.
They include higher temperatures, heatwaves, other extreme weather events and pollen load levels.
'Policy-makers need to work with healthcare professionals'
Mr Delahoyde has now called for "mass change" in the way global warming is being addressed worldwide, saying a more holistic approach is required.
"Policymakers need to work together with healthcare professionals, who are seeing patients all the time ... to design climate policies and effective solutions, to counter the climate health crisis.
"Mass change is needed," he added.