‘Mums for Lungs’ expanded to Manchester
Air pollution is the number one environmental risk to health in the UK, and permanently damages children’s lungs. There is growing evidence that links air pollution to a range of health problems, including lung disease, heart attacks and strokes, diabetes and dementia.
Right now, Greater Manchester has one of the highest annual levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution in the UK and childhood hospital admissions for asthma are three times higher than the national average. So, what can be done?
Mums for Lungs is a grassroots campaign group that was originally founded in London in 2017. Mums for Lungs wants a revolution in the way we move around our cities, making it safer and easier for us to get out of our cars. We also want people to understand the health implications of open fires and wood burning stoves as well as other sources of air pollution. We have recently expanded to Manchester to help spread awareness of the growing health risk of air pollution.
On Wednesday 15th March we held our first in-person event in Didsbury. Dr Sinead Millward, a GP from Levenshulme and Dr Thomas Faherty, a visiting research fellow at Manchester University, both spoke about their work and the impact they are seeing from air pollution on the health of Mancunians.
The event was really well attended, generating positive discussions and highlighting the need for urgent action in Greater Manchester. Guests were then able to start their campaign work by signing postcards to the major political parties in the North West ahead of this year’s local elections in May.
If you would like to take part in this simple yet powerful campaign, you can download your card here.
Mums for Lungs is a positive friendly campaign group that is committed to raising awareness of air pollution. If you would like to join, we are always looking for new members so please get in touch!
For further information please visit Mums for Lungs Manchester or
contact our Manchester coordinator.
