Council and NHS Trust join forces on dirty air

Hammersmith and Fulham Council has created a new alliance intended to clean dirty air and improve residents' health.

The 'Better Air, Better Health' partnership brings together health and air pollution experts from H&F Council, Imperial College London’s Environmental Research Group (ERG) and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.

The partnership aims to help cut local air pollution, reduce resident exposure and reduce the impact of associated health risks. Hammersmith and Fulham has an objective to create a cleaner and safer borough.

H&F Council’s air quality report from 2023 found that there is no ‘safe’ level of pollution in the borough. Local levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exceede the annual average World Health Organisation Air Quality Standards of 10 µg/m3.

According to latest modelled estimates, between 74 and 83 early deaths in H&F can be attributed to man-made air pollution. This is the eighth highest level in London, according to King’s College London. A further 8.1 per cent of early deaths per year are attributed to small particulate matter.

H&F council leader Cllr Stephen Cowan said: "Dirty air is a threat to us all. We’re working in partnership with experts at Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust to deliver a cleaner, healthier and greener borough as we take back control of the air we breathe."

Professor Frank Kelly, director of the ERG said: “Even though air quality has improved in recent decades, it is still affecting the health of all residents, especially children and those with pre-existing health problems.

“We welcome and applaud Hammersmith & Fulham’s ambition to improve air quality in the borough and to reduce the health burden that currently exists and is putting pressure on the NHS.”