A major study by Scottish researchers found the link between respiratory-related admissions to hospitals and GPs and rises in air pollution, is 'absolutely clear'.
Researches at University of Dundee matched medical records of 450 patients who suffer from bronchiectasis, a long-term chronic condition similar to COPD, to 15 years of data on air pollution levels in Dundee, Perth and the surrounding area.
Professor James Chalmers, GSK/British Lung Foundation Professor of Respiratory Research in the School of Medicine at Dundee said: ‘On days when air pollution spiked there was a large increase in admissions to Ninewells Hospital and Perth Royal Infirmary with breathing problems and visits to GP’s with breathing problems, known as exacerbations.'
Comparing when air pollution was at its worst and patients needing assistance, Prof Chalmers states the links are ‘absolutely clear’.
Prof Chalmers stated the data suggests failure to tackle air pollution is not only having major effects on those who suffer with lung conditions but also ‘can affect us all’.
The study follows Professor Stephen Holgate’s similar research that strongly linked air pollution spikes to a specific case of a nine-old-girl from London who was frequently admitted to hospital and suffered a fatal asthma attack.
Ian Jarrold, head of research at the British Lung Foundation, said: ‘Additional costs faced by the NHS in treating patients with lung conditions due to high exposure to air pollution can no longer be ignored.’
‘Improving air quality is not only good for patients with lung disease, it makes economic sense for frontline health services across Scotland and the UK,' he added.
‘Tough measures are needed to reduce the level of vehicle emissions in towns and cities across the UK, so that everyone can breathe easier.’
Prof Chalmers claims the data also showed the impact of air pollution was worst in the summer months, where hotter and less windy days raised the levels of air pollution. This is also because people are outside more and exposed to pollution.
The study was a collaboration between the research team at the University of Dundee and environmental health experts from Belgium. The study was funded by the British Lung Foundation and is published in the European Respiratory Journal.
