UK Asthma Spike Linked to Air Pollution, Doctors Demand Clean Air Reforms

Asthma-related doctor visits in England rose 45% in early 2025, with over 45,000 cases reported—highlighting growing concerns over toxic air. The Royal College of Physicians says 99% of the UK population is exposed to polluted air, contributing to 500 deaths weekly and costing £27 billion annually.

Health experts, including pediatricians, urge the government to expand clean air zones, especially in low-income areas where pollution levels and health disparities are worse.

Air pollution—mainly from vehicles and fossil fuels—contains fine particles and nitrogen dioxide that harm lungs, enter the bloodstream, and worsen asthma, heart disease, and child development. Children are especially at risk due to faster breathing and growing lungs. The surge in preventable illness adds to the burden on an already strained healthcare system and exposes flaws in urban design that neglects public health.

01-07-2025