Written question WQ84795

The UK expert Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollution (COMEAP) estimates air pollution is responsible for “an effect equivalent of between 28,000 and 36,000 deaths (at typical ages) each year”. These are not actual deaths, but reflect the reduced life expectancy everyone experiences because of air pollution exposure.

Public Health Wales has estimated the impact of air pollution exposure in Wales to be the equivalent of 1,000 to 1,400 deaths each year.

It should be noted the only instance of air pollution being cited as a cause of death in the UK relates to the case of Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, a nine-year-old girl from London who died in 2013. Following a re-opened inquest, the coroner concluded: “Air pollution was a significant contributory factor in both the induction and exacerbations of her asthma.”

Health and the environment are at the heart of our decision making and we are committed to tackling the sources of air pollution and ensuring people’s ability to breathe clean air in Wales. We will bring forward a Bill on clean air in this Senedd, which will include an air quality target setting framework which takes account of World Health Organisation’s air quality guidelines.

Our ambition is to place the most effective air quality standards into Welsh law and require action to meet them. This will enable people in Wales to breathe clean air, so we can relieve some pressure on our health services as well as realise the other social and environment benefits.

Our plans to establish health based air quality standards and enhance the Local Air Quality Management regime in Wales are the key steps in supporting health improvements. Improving air quality to mitigate the effects of air pollution will, in time, lead to better health outcomes.