Insights

Health effects of air pollution

People are walking down a street. On the other side, there is scaffolding and construction works taking place, with traffic cones on the road.

Diaraye Barry

Data Visualisation Consultant

Data

Using data to reduce air pollution from construction sites

The Air Pollution Risk Index tool identified areas where improving air quality could have the biggest benefit on people’s health.

Health effects of air pollution

A close up of wood being burned. Image credit: Photo by Aurora K on Unsplash

Ben Pearce

Head of Programme (Health effects of air pollution)

Latest updates

The Government’s backward step on wood-burning stoves puts public health and climate action at risk

The Government's decision to permit wood-burning stoves in new builds contradicts growing evidence about the harmful effects these stoves have on public health and the environment.

Health effects of air pollution

People are sitting on wooden benches and listening to a speaker at the Enact Equality event in Parliament. The room has floor to ceiling windows and portraits hung on the walls.

Natasha Feiner

Interim Head of Policy & Influencing

Latest updates

12 Mar 2025

Addressing the burden of air pollution with Enact Equality

In February we joined a thought-provoking discussion in the Houses of Parliament, focused on the intersection of racial justice and air pollution. In this article, we set out our takeaways from the event, as well next steps.

Health effects of air pollution

London skyline, with residential buildings in the foreground, and the Shard and Walkie Talkie in the distance. Photograph by Joe Smith

Matt Towner

Director of Programmes

Opinion

17 Oct 2024

Our message for the Conservatives at their party conference

Championing policies that support businesses to reduce their polluting emissions is one way the opposition can use its influence to hold the Government to account and improve people’s health.

Health effects of air pollution

People walk through a leafy green park. Photograph by Dembee Tsogoo.

Matt Towner

Director of Programmes

Opinion

17 Oct 2024

Improving air quality must be central to Labour’s health mission

Action would help to save money and reduce social inequalities. Matt Towner writes for New Statesman.

Health effects of air pollution

London road, with assorted vehicles. Photograph by Charles Postiaux

Natasha Feiner

Interim Head of Policy & Influencing

Policy

What can councils and the Government do to reduce pollution from freight?

We’re calling on the Government to implement our policy recommendations to reduce air pollution from freight.

Health effects of air pollution

Bike courier cycles beneath a graffitied bridge, photograph by Evgeniya Iakovleva

Amandeep Singh Kellay

Portfolio Manager

Opinion

Our work to reduce air pollution from freight

We’ve been working with partners throughout Lambeth and Southwark to test ways to reduce air pollution from freight in cities.

Health effects of air pollution

Roadway in City of London, with buses, vans, and a cyclist. Photograph by Ruoyu Li.

Matt Towner

Director of Programmes

Opinion

What can businesses do to reduce air pollution from freight?

The transition to a greener freight system will rely on joined-up thinking and fresh policies from the Government. But businesses can take positive steps now to reduce air pollution and its harmful effects on people’s health.

Health effects of air pollution

Heavy goods vehicles, aerial photograph by Ivan Bandura

Matt Towner

Director of Programmes

Opinion

Freight and air pollution. What’s the problem?

Freight is the backbone of the economy. But an outdated system is congesting cities and harming people’s health in urban areas.