Clean Air Day 2019 - Three easy steps you can take to reduce air pollution

Poor air quality is estimated to account for up to 36,000 early deaths in the UK each year; posing a larger threat to average life expectancy than either road traffic accidents or passive smoking. Known to cause respiratory diseases (such as asthma) and cardiovascular problems, it is also linked with: cancer, stroke, heart disease, diabetes and dementia.

Pledging RPS‘ support for Clean Air Day - the UK’s largest annual air pollution campaign - our air quality team shares three simple steps that you can take in your daily life to reduce air pollution for yourself and those around you.

1. Change the way you travel:
   • Avoid making car journeys if you can – consider public transport, or better still, walk or cycle to reap the health benefits!
   • If you can`t avoid a car journey, try to car-share where you can, or travel smarter by combining several journeys into one trip
   • Switch off your car engine when stationary
   • Keep tyres properly inflated and vehicles maintained
   • Drive smoothly – avoid hard acceleration and anticipate braking (even electric cars emit brake particles)
     
     
2. Consider how you heat your home and cook:
   • Use electrically-powered appliances where possible - followed by gas
   • Avoid wood-burning
     
     
3. Reduce exposure inside your home:
   • If you have to use household sprays, cleaners, paints, etc. then ventilate rooms well during and after
   • Avoid burning scented candles

Further advice from the Clean Air Day campaign can be found at https://www.cleanairday.org.uk/whatcanido

RPS’ air quality consultants understand the causes and effects of air pollution and advise clients on how to reduce the impacts. Click here for more information on our services or to get in touch.

Download our free poster to share the advice with your colleagues, friends and families. 

Clean Air Day is the UK's largest annual air pollution campaign comprising a day of mass public engagement, enabling the public to improve air quality and their health. It is coordinated by Global Action Plan, on behalf of 200 supporter organisations, including royal medical colleges, NHS trusts, local authorities, universities and health charities.