Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the effect of increased congestion since the easing of covid-19 lockdown restrictions on the health of pregnant women and future newborns.
COVID-19 lockdown restrictions reduced exposure to some air pollutants in the short term for certain groups, however, long term exposure to air pollution levels can be harmful to everyone. Some people, including pregnant women, are more susceptible to health problems caused by air pollution. Public Health England (PHE) is not aware of any increase of congestion levels beyond those of pre-COVID-19 levels.
PHE continues to make the case for critical action to address air pollution so that people in England enjoy cleaner air and healthier lives, especially those who are most vulnerable such as pregnant women and children. Further information is available in the PHE Strategy 2020 to 2025, available to view at the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/phe-strategy-2020-to-2025