Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to prevent health complications caused by PM2.5 particles.
Short term exposure to elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can impact the health of vulnerable groups. That is why we provide alerts and advice during air pollution episodes to ensure people can access the information and the health advice they need in order to minimise impacts. During episodes of elevated air pollution Defra works closely with Public Health England and a network of health charities to ensure that key health messages are communicated to those who are vulnerable to the effects of air pollution.
However, the biggest impact of particulate air pollution on public health is understood to be from long-term exposure to PM2.5, which increases the age-specific mortality risk, particularly from cardiovascular causes. The Clean Air Strategy, published in January 2019, sets out the comprehensive action required across all parts of Government to improve air quality, and reduce public exposure to particulate matter pollution. Through the Environment Bill, re-introduced to Parliament on 30th January, we are also establishing a duty to set a legally-binding target for PM2.5. This target will drive action to reduce long term exposure to PM2.5 and its associated health impacts.