Clean air debate – Healthy Air Cymru’s response
In response to the stage one debate on the Environment Bill that took place on Tuesday 12 September, Joseph Carter Chair of Healthy Air Cymru and Head of Asthma + Lung UK Cymru said:
“Across Wales, millions of people are forced to breathe air that is so polluted it breaks international laws.
“The current Environment Bill falls short of what’s needed to save lives. Air quality targets must be set according to the latest World Health Organisation guidelines – and it’s vital that these targets are set for a range of pollutants, not just particulate matter. We also need a timeline to deliver these targets and we cannot ignore issues around domestic burning, which is currently increasing.
“The Environment Bill is a once in a generation opportunity to clean up the air we breathe and help avoid thousands more people dying prematurely in Wales every year from toxic air pollution. We call on the Welsh Government to send a clear message about its commitments to environmental protection and public health.
“Let’s make sure it is a strong law to protect us all.”