According to data from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, air pollution killed 5.5% of Bradford’s over-30-year-old population in 2022.
Although this was an increase from 5.1% the previous year, it was still less than the 6.5% pre-pandemic levels.
The information is released ahead of Thursday’s National Clean Air Day, which offers citizens a chance to write to their legislators to voice concerns about the quality of the air in their communities.
Bradford Council stated that it was making efforts to contribute to cleaner air.
“Bradford has a Clean Air Zone to improve air quality and to encourage cleaner vehicles to enter the city,” an authority official stated.
“Cleaner air will help every ward in Bradford.
“The number of non-compliant trucks, lorries, taxis, and buses will decrease, and there will be an increase in electric taxis.
“Cleaner air will help every ward in Bradford.
“The number of non-compliant trucks, lorries, taxis, and buses will decrease, and there will be an increase in electric taxis.
As a result, both inside and beyond the Clean Air Zone boundaries, the district’s overall air quality will improve.
The most underprivileged communities in Bradford will experience the most health gains, according to health research conducted there.
“The Bradford Council Clean Air Plan will bring levels of nitrogen dioxide within legal limits five years more quickly than without intervention.”
“Cleaner air has health benefits for everyone, but especially for the elderly, small children, and those with pre-existing medical conditions,” the representative continued.
Air pollution linked to automobiles has been linked to cardiac issues, respiratory infections, reduced lung function, and exacerbated asthma symptoms.
“Removing or limiting the number of polluting vehicles that can enter a city or town centre will improve its air quality, having a positive impact on the health of those living and working there.”
According to a government spokesman, “significant progress improving air quality since 2010” has been accomplished.
They declared: “We have achieved notable decreases in emissions – fine particulate matter has decreased by 24%, and nitrogen oxides have decreased by 48%.
“We also met our targets to reduce emissions for all five key pollutants in the latest reporting year.”
By 2040, the government hopes to have cut fine particle pollution by half, with an annual mean concentration of 10 micrograms per cubic metre.
As of right now, the World Health Organisation recommends that this number not exceed five micrograms per cubic metre.
