The Air That We Breathe

 

The UK not normally thought of as a region, with serious atmospheric pollution. Air pollution certainly isn't as obvious as in parts of China, India and the USA. The World Health Organisation suggests, however, that UK air pollution annually results in more than 1000 cases of the main form of lung cancer  (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/feb/09/air-pollution-causing-lung-cancer-uk). Air pollution may also reduce human cognitive ability. A small study in Nature Communications gave 26 individuals cognitive tests before and after one hour of exposure to particulate matter (from candle smoke) or clean air. Particulate matter, also produced by burning wood (as fuel or in wildfires), some fossil fuels and by vehicle engines, creates the air pollution so evident in parts of the world. After exposure to particulate matter, there was a marked reduction in a subject's ability to focus on everyday tasks. Air pollution could consequently have major effects on efficient working, driving etc. The effects were evident whether the subject breathed normally or just through the mouth. Perhaps, it even gives non-breathing Artificial Intelligence, yet another advantage over human workers? (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/feb/06/air-pollution-affects-peoples-ability-to-focus-on-everyday-tasks-study-finds). Particulates are, however, not the only damaging components of air pollution. It also includes a variety of gasses (largely of nitrogen and carbon) along with volatile compounds. All have been shown to negatively impact human (and other animal's) health. Air pollution is the major cause of global ill-health and early death. It's negative effects are just less obvious than infectious diseases, war and famine. People objecting to emissions zones and speed limits, need to be reminded about air pollution's impact on themselves and the folk around them. Planners need to be prevented from siting major emissions sources without carbon capture, near to human populations. Incidences of wildfires must also be curtailed. Air pollution needs to be taken much more seriously.