Is air pollution a threat to human health? MPs ask scientific experts
On Wednesday the Environmental Audit Committee will consider the threat air pollution poses to human health and the environment in an evidence session with scientific experts.
Air pollution is a leading cause of mortality, being associated with around 4.2 million deaths around the world. Only around 1% of the global population breathe air with ‘safe’ levels of pollution.
MPs are likely to ask witnesses for their understanding of the true scale of air pollution’s effects on mortality and whether commuters are aware of the unhealthy air they are exposed to when using some public transport services. They are also likely to consider how the government can reduce the risks of air pollution to children and to disadvantaged groups.
In the second panel, MPs will consider air pollution’s impact on the natural environment, for example by introducing excess ammonia into the environment which can cause harm to wild life. Air pollution can also cause widespread damage to ecosystems, undermining biodiversity and food security.