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Cystic Fibrosis Trust calls for lower air pollution warning to protect those with CF
In reaction to the UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) Health Effects of Climate Change (HECC) report, Cystic Fibrosis Trust is calling on the governments across the UK to implement key policy changes to combat the enhanced challenge the impact of climate change presents to people with cystic fibrosis (CF) to maintain their wellbeing.
2023 is set to be the warmest year on record, and heat waves often lead to poor air quality. This includes a rise in summer smog, which can exacerbate respiratory difficulties, as can levels of extreme heat and stagnant air.
We know that air quality continues to be the biggest environmental risk to public health, particularly for those with long-term health conditions like CF. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) currently monitor air pollution on a daily basis with national and regional warnings issued when a high threshold is met. But for those with lung conditions, like CF, air pollution can be dangerous or detrimental to health before this threshold is met.
With climate change causing more frequent spells of hotter weather, we need to ensure the health of people with cystic fibrosis is protected. We’re calling on Defra to introduce a new, lower threshold for air pollution to protect those with respiratory conditions, like cystic fibrosis, to enable them to make informed decisions.
David Ramsden, Chief Executive of Cystic Fibrosis Trust
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