A recent report by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) projects that air pollution in the UK will be linked to around 30,000 deaths in 2025, with a staggering 99% of the population exposed to toxic air.

Asthma and Lung UK reports that one in five individuals with lung conditions have suffered severe health issues due to air pollution, with many experiencing breathlessness linked to poor air quality.

The report highlights that there is 'no safe level' of air pollution, which adversely affects nearly every organ in the body, especially during critical periods like fetal development.

This exposure can shorten lifespans by an average of 1.8 years and is a significant contributor to chronic health issues and premature mortality.

Despite some progress in reducing pollutant concentrations over the past three decades, England's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sir Chris Whitty, emphasizes that outdoor air pollution remains a serious health threat.

He calls for ambitious government action to implement practical changes in areas such as heating, transport, and industry to combat this ongoing issue.

In response to the air quality crisis, the UK government has allocated £575 million to help local authorities improve air quality and is developing interventions to reduce emissions.

On June 19, 2025, over 100 healthcare professionals and activists are set to march to Downing Street, advocating for the government to establish ambitious air quality targets.

Next month, Parliament will see the reintroduction of 'Ella’s Law', a proposed legislation aimed at establishing clean air as a human right and mandating clean air throughout England by 2030.

Research shows that the burden of air pollution is disproportionately felt by ethnic minorities and poorer families, particularly in urban areas.

Dr. Mumtaz Patel, president of the RCP, underscores the urgency of treating air pollution as a public health crisis, advocating for clean air to be recognized as a basic human right.

Despite significant reductions in emissions, air pollution continues to contribute to serious health issues, including cancer, heart disease, and mental health conditions.