'Traffic Pollution Leaves Us Choking', Say More Than Three In Five With Asthma, UK

Main Category: Respiratory / Asthma
Also Included In: Water - Air Quality / Agriculture
Article Date: 21 Sep 2007 - 13:00 PDT

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As Cardiff gears up for the annual 'In town, without your car!' event, opinion research released by Asthma UK Cymru shows that traffic pollution is one of the most commonly reported asthma triggers for people with asthma across Wales, with more than three out of five (65%) claiming it leaves them gasping for breath.

Rates of asthma in Wales are among the highest in the world, with 1 in 12 adults and 1 in 10 children - or 3 children in every classroom - suffering with the condition.

Janet Pardue-Wood, National Director at Asthma UK Cymru, says: 'This research confirms that traffic pollution is a serious menace for people with asthma, causing 65% of them symptoms including coughing fits and breathlessness, and preventing many from walking or shopping in congested areas.'

Asthma UK Cymru's latest opinion research also reveals that:

- 84% of people with asthma in Wales say they are concerned about the effect that increasing vehicle fumes will have on their health, their family's health and their children's health in the future.

- 72% of people with asthma in Wales say that having more cars that emit fewer traffic fumes (such as hybrid cars) would improve their asthma.

- 61% of people with asthma in Wales feel that the Government isn't doing enough to reduce traffic fumes.

- 38% of people with asthma in Wales say that traffic fumes discourage them from walking/shopping in congested areas.

- 32% of people with asthma in Wales say that a reduction in air pollution is the single thing that would make the most difference to their quality of life in relation to their asthma.

The publication of this opinion research coincides with Cardiff's 'In town, without my car!' day this Saturday 22 September, which is part of an international campaign to highlight the benefits of reducing traffic congestion and improve quality of life for adults and children in towns and cities across the world. Streets close to cars and lorries, and open up for people to enjoy walking, cycling, art and street entertainment.

Janet continues: 'Asthma UK Cymru is fully behind this initiative which allows people with asthma the freedom to walk and shop in normally congested streets, without the fear of an asthma attack.

'We call on the Welsh Assembly to listen to the views of people with asthma and to continue to take steps to reduce pollutants, encourage cleaner fuel and promote the use of low or no emission vehicles.'

1. Asthma UK is the charity dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the 5.2 million people in the UK whose lives are affected by asthma. Asthma UK Cymru is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the 260,000 people in Wales whose lives are affected by asthma.

2. For up-to-date news on asthma, information and publications, visit the Asthma UK website http://www.asthma.org.uk.

3. Kickasthma.org.uk is Asthma UK's interactive website for children and young people with asthma. The site offers support and advice and includes an asthma dictionary, problem page, games and a messageboard.

http://www.asthma.org.uk