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Jonathan Steel, CEO E: js@deliverchange.org Daisy Wain, Project Manager E: daisy.wain@deliverchange.org

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Deliver Change | What’s wrong with our air?
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What’s wrong with our air?

OUTDOOR AIR POLLUTION
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WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?

Air pollution today is where smoking was in the 1960s – the experts know about the problem, but most people don’t.

In the next few years, we will look back and say ‘Why wasn’t more being done to protect us?’. It’s a good question – not least because when it comes to the damage to our life expectancy, air pollution is second only to active smoking!

PREMATURE DEATHS

Urban air quality is the top environmental risk factor for premature deaths in Europe

50,000 IN THE UK...

Air pollution shortens the lives of more than 50,000 people in the UK every year

MODERN POLLUTION MORE DAMAGING

Modern pollution is now less visible but more immediately irritating and long term damaging than it used to be.

SECOND BIGGEST KILLER

It’s the second biggest killer in the UK, only active smoking kills more people

£53 BILLION NHS COSTS

The WHO estimates the total annual cost of air pollution to the UK economy at £53bn, or 3.7% of GDP

LUNG CAPACITY REDUCED

Children living with high levels of particulates and nitrogen dioxide have up to 10% less lung capacity

CHILD DEVELOPMENT IMPACTED

High air pollution results in low birth weights, and has a negative impact on cognitive development

SHORT TERM IMPACTS

Include irritation of airways, sore throats and headaches, to severe impacts such as asthma and heart attacks

INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
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WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?

Research shows that indoor pollutants can be 2-5 times higher than outdoor concentrations, sometimes reaching as high as 100 times. We spend the majority of time indoors, be it in the workplace, at school, or at home.

Unfortunately, as we seal buildings ever more tightly to address energy efficiency and reduce emissions, the problems are being exacerbated.

COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AT RISK

30% of all commercial buildings have significant indoor air quality problems (WHO)

CAUSING 90% OF COLDS/FLU

90% of colds/flu are caused indoors

MOST AT RISK

Children and those who are already ill are most at risk

30% SUFFER FROM SBS

30% of buildings suffer from sick building syndrome (US EPA)

GOOD VENTILATION CAN INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY

Good ventilation system can increase office productivity by up to 10%

SYMPTOMS OF SBS

Include irritation of airways, sore throats, fatigue, muscle aches and headaches

LONG TERM EFFECTS

Include some respiratory diseases, heart disease and cancer, can be severely debilitating or fatal.