ILLUSTRATION BY LIZ VILLABONA
When it comes to our health, there are plenty of
things where we have a choice– what we eat, how
much we exercise and whether we smoke, drink or take
drugs. Most of us, though, don’t have a choice about the
air we breathe and the hidden toxins in our surroundings.
A cocktail of pollutants, including carbon monoxide,
sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and other chemical
vapours, can originate from such things as traffic fumes
to household products, and even scented candles.
‘Pollution is without doubt a major public health
concern,’ says Dr Audrey de Nazelle, a lecturer in air
pollution management at Imperial College London.
She cites the connection between rising pollution
levels and related asthma and bronchial problems, and
has identified robust evidence linking poor air quality to
an increased risk of lung cancer and heart disease. But
there are simple steps you can take from today to limit
the damage. Here’s how.
OUTDOOR POLLUTION
According to a report by the World Health Organisation
(WHO), 47 UK towns and cities exceed air pollution
limits, including Manchester, Plymouth, London and
Swansea. Surprisingly, even towns set in picturesque
countryside, such as Chepstow in Monmouthshire and
Royal Leamington Spa, have dirtier air than London.
What you can do
Take a side street: A 2017 study by King’s College
London revealed that walking in quieter streets (traffic
wise) can reduce average exposure to air pollution by
53 per cent. When using a busy road, stay as far away from
the traffic as possible and don’t stand near traffic lights,
as cars emit more fumes when they’re pulling away.
Use an app: Air pollution apps give you a real-time
map of air quality in your area, down to street-level
accuracy. AirVisual combines data from satellite
imagery, government agencies and crowd-sourced
information to help users track air pollution.
Go for an early-morning run: Pollution triggers
inflammation in the body, whereas exercising reduces it
and fights the effects of pollution. If you can’t beat the
traffic, it’s still better to exercise than not. ‘The benefits
from physical activity far outweigh any of the risks
associated with increased inhalation of air pollution,’ says
Dr de Nazelle. She recommends exercising before the rush
hour rather than right afterwards, so early morning may be
the best time. If you can, opt for laps of your local park.
Be a mindful driver: You are more likely to be
exposed to higher levels of pollution in a car than
a pedestrian or cyclist, as airborne pollutants are sucked
in and become trapped inside. Switch your car’s air
vents to ‘recirculate’ when you’re in traffic or tunnels.YOUR
LIFE
POLLUTION
PROOF
From your daily commute
to your wood-burning stove,
you’re unwittingly inhaling
a variety of toxic substances.
But you can take action to
reduce their impact,
reveals Claire Thorp