Room to breathe

Simone Codrington reflects on Clean Air Day 2018 – and the importance of living out its message year-round.

Air quality and respiratory health are often overlooked due to more commonly discussed issues related to unsustainable travel methods, such as carbon emissions and depletion of resources – but Clean Air Day was a much-needed reminder for many people of air pollution’s detrimental effects.

Many of us took part in this year’s Clean Air Day, dedicated to the promotion of sustainable transport methods and the improvement of air quality. We were encouraged to walk, run, cycle, scooter and roller blade to school, university or work – or to travel by bus, tram or train. All of these methods make a positive contribution to air quality by reducing the amount of emissions released by private vehicles. Still, Clean Air Day shouldn’t be just one day of the year; we need to work together to make use of these modes of sustainable transport more widespread.

Vehicle emissions include a large amount of nitrogen oxide emissions and particulate matter, which can exacerbate existing illnesses such as asthma but also contribute to more serious health problems such as lung disease and various cancers. A study by professor Stephen Holgate at Southampton University showed that children are more vulnerable to air pollution than adults, and when exposed to high-level, long-term average concentrations of nitrogen oxides, the proper development of their lungs is at risk. Outdoor air pollution is linked to around 40,000 deaths a year, but the full extent of mortality as a result is still unknown. Direct emissions from vehicles can also produce secondary pollutants when they react with other chemicals in the atmosphere, intensifying the issue.

Clean Air Day 2018 highlighted the current issues faced by a lot of people wishing to adopt more sustainable methods of travel; it showed the need for safer cycle and pedestrian routes, particularly in large towns and cities. Ideally, these routes should connect green areas such as local nature reserves and parks in a ‘green belt’ style.

“These interconnected nature areas and routes could be havens for commuters amid increased urbanisation and make a huge difference to people’s mental health while also improving the air quality in their surrounding areas. ”

For many people, nature is seen as ‘free medicine’ due to its endless positive impact on health and wellbeing. There is plenty of evidence showing the benefits of exposure to and enjoyment of nature in terms of recreation, but it doesn’t always account for the unseen benefits.

For example, trees and forests can be great for recreational activities, but they also improve air quality.

Additionally, many companies are now adopting the idea of biophilia – humans’ innate affinity for nature. Having plants in the office not only improves air quality, but also creates a more pleasant working atmosphere and nurtures an increased feeling of positivity among workers. This is recognised as part of the WELL Standard, the new building accreditation; it suggests that plants can be used to reduce the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are released by certain paints and items of furniture. Control of indoor air pollution is particularly important due to reduced ventilation rates and the possibility that high concentrations of pollutants may occur. Many indoor air pollutants cause users of modern buildings to suffer from ‘sick building syndrome’, complaining of symptoms such as headaches, sinus irritation, a dry cough and dizziness.

Building design should be considered when it comes to improving health and wellbeing in and around the workplace. Air quality can be controlled locally and provide health and productivity benefits for staff and employers through green walls and green roofs, which are visually attractive and improve biodiversity as well as air quality. The construction industry has started to include these on projects such as WWF Headquarters and Birmingham New Street Station.

Nature has a process in place for improving air quality, but we need to give it a helping hand and reduce our own contributions to air pollution. Movements such as Clean Air Day are just the reminder needed for many of us.

Simone Codrington is a management trainee at Willmott Dixon, and is writing on behalf of IEMA Futures

Image credit: iStock