European Heart Journal report finds that more people die from air pollution than tobacco- Unicef UK responds
12 March 2019– A report published today in the European Heart Journal finds that more people die from air pollution than tobacco. Unicef UK responds:
Alastair Harper, Head of Advocacy, Unicef UK:
UUK research recently showed a third of children live in areas with harmful levels of air pollution, so today’s EHJ report findings are incredibly worrying and starkly illustrate the need to act now to protect children and tackle this growing health crisis.
That is why Unicef UK is calling for legally-binding targets to reduce air pollution to acceptable levels, a national strategy that prioritises action for children, and ring-fenced funding to protect children’s health, so that no child is denied their right to clean air.
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Unicef UK Media Team, 0207 375 6030, [email protected]
About Unicef
Unicef is the world’s leading organisation for children, promoting the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.
Unicef UK raises funds to protect children in danger, transform their lives and build a safer world for tomorrow’s children. As a registered charity we raise funds through donations from individuals, organisations and companies and we lobby and campaign to keep children safe. Unicef UK also runs programmes in schools, hospitals and with local authorities in the UK.
For more information please visit unicef.org.uk