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A new report from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) warns that air pollution could be linked to around 30,000 deaths in the UK in 2025, making it one of the most pressing public health issues of our time. The report highlights that 99% of the UK population is exposed to toxic air, which can shorten life expectancy by an average of 1.8 years—a toll comparable to major causes of death like cancer and smoking.
England’s chief medical officer, Professor Sir Chris Whitty, emphasised in the report’s foreword that while the UK has made notable progress over the past 30 years in reducing some pollutants, air pollution remains the most significant environmental threat to health. He urged practical reforms in heating, transport, and industry to drive further progress, stating, “Air pollution affects everybody, and is everybody’s business.”
The report not only warns of the health impacts but also stresses the economic burden, estimating £27 billion a year in costs due to increased healthcare needs and lost productivity. Despite being largely preventable, air pollution continues to take a heavy toll on both lives and the economy.
Dr Mumtaz Patel, president of the RCP, called for urgent action, stating that clean air should be treated with the same seriousness as clean water or safe food. She urged the government to treat air pollution as a national public health emergency and to implement strong policies to safeguard health and economic wellbeing.
