Impact of local air quality management policies on emergency hospitalisations for respiratory conditions in the North West Coast region of England
Consumer Data Research Centre
Promoting the use of consumer data and research to provide insight into societal and economic challenges (ESRC funded)
Air quality is a pressing concern worldwide, with poor air quality contributing to millions of premature deaths every year. In the UK, the Local Air Quality Management (LAQM) system monitors air quality at a local level. If an area doesn't meet air quality objectives, it's designated as an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) and an action plan is developed. But how effective is this system in reducing air pollution and its impact on health?
The study utilised data collected from different sources, including historical data about AQMA from Defra, demographic and socioeconomic data from government and national statistics, and health-related multi-dimensional indicator - Access to Healthy Assets and Hazards (AHAH) from Consumer Data Research Centre (CDRC).?
Key Findings:
Reduction in Hospitalisations: After an AQMA was declared, emergency hospitalisations for respiratory conditions in the intervention neighbourhoods decreased by 158 per 100,000 per year compared to control neighbourhoods. This suggests that the LAQM system has contributed to a reduction in emergency hospitalisations for respiratory conditions.
Greater Impact in Deprived Areas: There was a more significant decrease in hospitalisation rates in income-deprived neighbourhoods after the declaration of an AQMA. This indicates that the LAQM system might be an effective strategy to reduce health inequalities.
Why is this Important?
Air pollution doesn't just harm the environment; it has direct consequences for human health. Short-term exposure can lead to decreased lung function, exacerbation of asthma symptoms, and increased hospital admissions. Long-term exposure is linked with the development of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, diabetes, and cancer-related mortality.
Moreover, air pollution disproportionately affects deprived communities, leading to health inequalities. These communities are more likely to be exposed to higher pollution levels and have pre-existing health conditions that can be exacerbated by poor air quality.
The economic impact is also significant. The health effects of air pollution could cost the National Health Service (NHS) in England up to ￡5.3 billion by 2035.
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The findings underscore the importance of not just measuring the success of air quality policies in terms of pollution levels but also in terms of population health. The LAQM system, by reducing emergency hospitalisations for respiratory conditions, especially in deprived areas, showcases the potential of localised interventions in addressing broader health and societal challenges.
Publication: Rose, T.C., Daras, K., Cloke, J. et al. Impact of local air quality management policies on emergency hospitalisations for respiratory conditions in the North West Coast region of England: a longitudinal controlled ecological study. Int J Equity Health 20, 254 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-021-01598-w?
CDRC-ULO Data: Access to Healthy Assets and Hazards (AHAH) indicator: