Pollution free air during UK lockdown relieves asthma for millions
Approximately 2 million people with lung conditions have noticed improved symptoms due to a reduction in air pollution during the Covid-19 crisis, a charity has said.
The British Lung Foundation's (BLF) survey of 14,000 patients found that 16% had noticed an improvement in symptoms.
Air pollution has been considered a factor to worsen symptoms for some lung patients, including those with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. But with lockdown measures in place, road traffic use has dramatically dropped to its lowest levels in recent history.
The BLF poll revealed that one in five parents of a child with a lung condition said they noticed an improvement to their child's symptoms. The survey also showed that a quarter of people with asthma noted an improvement in their symptoms.
The British Lung Foundation and the Taskforce for Lung Health are encouraging for a long-term commitment to reducing air pollution in the UK.
Zak Bond, policy and public affairs officer at the BLF, said: "Air pollution can increase your likelihood of getting a lung condition and cause lasting damage to children's growing lungs.
"The Government has a duty to ensure that as the country recovers from Covid-19, we can continue to keep air pollution levels down, and keep pushing them lower, with the rapid introduction of Clean Air Zones, support for public and active transport, and tougher air quality laws."
Bond mentioned that the Government should commit to reaching the WHO's (World Health Organisation) guidelines for fine particulate matter by 2030 at the latest.
He added, "For those most vulnerable to the effects of air pollution, such as people with existing respiratory conditions, or those recovering from Covid-19, clean air is crucial for living well now, and in the future."