A coalition of 150 scientists, lawmakers, and activists has called on the UK government to launch a national inquiry into the unequal health impacts of air pollution, highlighting persistent disparities in exposure among lower-income and ethnic minority communities across England. The appeal comes amid growing evidence that air pollution continues to pose significant public health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Research conducted by the Institute for Fiscal Studies reveals that areas with lower socioeconomic status consistently endure higher pollution levels compared to wealthier neighborhoods. Additionally, minority ethnic groups are exposed to air pollution at levels approximately 6% greater than those experienced by white populations. Exposure to polluted air has been linked to serious health conditions, including heart disease, strokes, cancer, asthma, and impaired lung development in children.

In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, signatories urged the government to establish a dedicated framework to address these health inequalities, which they say currently lacks sufficient mechanisms to protect affected communities. The letter emphasizes that traffic emissions remain the primary source of air pollution, although some local initiatives, such as London’s ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ), have demonstrated measurable improvements in air quality. Studies indicate that children in London have experienced better lung growth following the implementation of the ULEZ.

Despite progress in urban centers like London, Glasgow, and Bristol, newly released government data indicates that certain areas within these cities still recorded pollution levels exceeding legal limits in 2025. Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, whose nine-year-old daughter was the first person in the UK to have air pollution officially noted on her death certificate, criticized political leaders for their inaction, stating it has resulted in widespread exposure to unlawful emission levels across the country.

Further data obtained via freedom of information requests by the campaign group Mums for Lungs highlights the scale of the problem: more than 200,000 children in 11 English cities, including London, Greater Manchester, and Birmingham, were hospitalized with breathing difficulties in 2025.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) responded by acknowledging long-term improvements in air quality and reiterated its commitment to further reducing pollution. The department cited ambitious targets aimed at cutting harmful particulate exposure by nearly one-third by 2030, signaling continued efforts to address the issue at the national level.