Burnham urged to launch inquiry into unequal health impacts of air pollution
A coalition of 150 scientists, MPs, and activists is calling on the UK government to launch an inquiry into the unequal health impacts of air pollution. Research indicates that lower-income and minority-ethnic communities are disproportionately exposed to harmful air quality.
Why it matters
This highlights the intersection of environmental policy and social justice, suggesting that pollution is a significant driver of health inequality.
Air pollution Burnham urged to launch inquiry into unequal health impacts of air pollution Letter from 150 scientists, MPs and activists calls for action to protect lower-income and minority-ethnic communities
Prefer the Guardian on Google The government must hold an inquiry into the unequal impacts of air pollution, 150 scientists, MPs and activists have urged.
Research by the Institute for Fiscal Studies shows that across England, lower-income areas have persistently higher levels of air pollution than wealthier areas.
The same research found that minority-ethnic populations were exposed to air pollution levels that were about 6% higher than those experienced by white populations.
In a letter coordinated by the charity Enact Equality and signed by 150 scientists, MPs and activists, including the climate activist Greta Thunberg , the prime minister, Andy Burnham, has been urged to hold a national inquiry into the impacts of air pollution on these groups.
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