
Defra report highlights the importance accessible air quality information
A new expert-led review has been published, recommending ways air quality information can be made more accessible to the general public.
A new expert-led review has been published by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), featuring a number of recommendations on how the UK can make use of its world-class air quality monitoring tools to educate the public on the dangers of poor air quality.
Respiratory experts, charities, central government, and local authorities contributed to the Air Quality Information System (AQIS) review, noting how poor air quality is not only an environmental concern, but it also has major implications for at-risk groups. Increased public awareness of both the harmful effects of poor air quality and how air quality can be improved through accessible communication is deemed to be essential to further public knowledge and encourage pollution-reducing actions.
Research underpinning this report was split across five distinct categories:
These five reviews, respectively, found:
The report praised the UK’s technical capabilities, providing a strong foundation for improved air quality communications. The Air Quality Expert Group (AQEG) noted how the UK has a word-leading atmospheric emissions inventory which allows us to monitor air quality incredibly accurately – going above and beyond what is needed to meet regulatory reporting requirements.
Defra’s ability to produce annual estimates of ambient air pollution concentrations at resolutions as accurate as 1 x 1 km across the whole of the UK through its emissions inventory and the Automatic Urban and Rural Network (AURN) allows the UK to accurately provide data to the public – for the past, present, and future.
The UK’s advanced technical capabilities and monitoring network means the data is readily available to be utilised across the entirety of the UK. However, the report highlights how, whilst the data collection is advanced, its usage is sub-optimal and can be improved.
Data must be communicated clearly to the wider public for it to be acted upon. The report comments how, currently, public awareness of air quality is inhibited by a lack of accessibility, the unsuitability of some information that is shared, and a lack of understanding of the impact of poor air quality. These three key themes are further examined in the report.
The accessibility of air quality information review found that:
In assessing the suitability of the data, the review determined:
The review also assessed the impact of current systems and communication methods, concluding:
The report concludes with eleven recommendations, split up across five categories.
1. Air quality information providers should take an outcome-based approach to communicating air quality information, risk, and potential action
The intended outcomes of air quality information should be considered – whether it is behaviour change, increased awareness and education, or government action. A wide range of experts (such as academic, health, communication, and charity) should be consulted so practical, actionable advice can be provided.
2. Air quality information should be accessible and recognisable, with consistent, expert-backed advice.
Information should be understandable, jargon-free, accessible across a variety of mediums, and not contradict itself. This will help improve public understanding of pollutants, their health impacts (especially to at-risk individuals), and educate the public on ways they can improve their local air quality.
3. Any additional benefits of improved air quality should also be communicated.
This can include environmental, personal, and societal benefits, such as:
4. Develop a communications strategy which demonstrates the actions government and other public bodies are taking, and the actions individuals can take to raise awareness of poor air quality.
The communications strategy should include:
5. Upskill health care professionals to provide them with the knowledge and skills to provide appropriate, actionable health advice to the public and at-risk individuals.
This can be achieved through working with the appropriate professional bodies and continuing professional development. Keeping health care professionals up to date on the impacts of air pollution on certain groups (such as those with asthma) and informing them on ways to encourage action will enable proactive care.
6. Air quality information taught in schools should be strengthened.
This should include the sources, impacts, and actions individuals can take to help reduce air pollution.
7. Review suitable existing material that can be used by organisations to communicate air quality information.
Any new resources should be endorsed by trusted messengers which are appropriate for each stakeholder group.
8. Keep the DAQI and relevant advice up to date with the latest scientific evidence.
This advice should improve the understanding of short-term exposure whilst also providing advice on how to reduce air pollution. Separate behavioural advice should still be provided for at-risk groups, and the DAQI should undergo regular updates, maintaining an informative, easy-to-understand approach.
9. Develop a statement appropriate for the public regarding the long-term impacts of poor air quality.
By communicating the impacts of long-term exposure, short-term effects can be understood too. Educating the public on how certain groups may have less ways to reduce their exposure will also highlight the impacts of long-term exposure.
10. Review, update, and expand the existing alerts system
An alert system must be underpinned by strong public foundational knowledge, with at-risk groups also understanding how poor air quality directly impacts them. Investing in the DAQI means that the same key should be used in these alerts to avoid confusion, and the actions or advice should be feasibly achievable for the public. Much can be learnt from existing systems such as the Greater London Authority air quality alerts.
11. Emerging evidence and advice from expert groups should continue to influence air quality information and advice, and any changes that occur should be implemented.
Regularly reviewing the performance of new communications and implementing any findings from future research will ensure advice and approaches stay up to date. International research and systems can also be utilised to fit the UK’s needs, and the UK should also share its research to ensure efforts are not unnecessarily duplicated.
The solid fuel industry also has an important role to play in improving the way the impacts of poor air quality is communicated. Manufacturers, organisations, and professionals can all use their expert knowledge to educate customers and stakeholders alike on the best ways to burn – explaining how a modern, efficient stove produces significantly less air pollution than an inefficient, aged appliance.
HETAS, alongside our sister company Woodsure, is committed to working towards a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable environment. Reducing air pollution and improving air quality is part of this mission, and we continuously work with all UK governments and devolved administrations, local authorities, and industry stakeholders to achieve this. HETAS supports initiatives to improve the UK’s air quality, and we will continue our work to provide impartial, independent advice to policymakers, ensuring proposals are reasoned and informed.
With a solid fuel appliance, best practices can be followed from manufacture and installation, all the way to fuelling, maintenance, and everyday use. HETAS registrants are uniquely positioned to provide advice to stove users every step of the way, being trusted experts in industry.
The HETAS Advice Hub also provides accessible advice to stove users, giving them the power to burn responsibly through frequently updated articles containing expert burning and safety advice.
For the latest news on domestic combustion, government policy, and much more, visit our latest news pages or follow us on social.
For the latest news on domestic combustion, government policy, and much more, visit our latest news pages or follow us on social.
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HETAS
Severn House
Unit 5 Newtown Trading Estate
Green Lane
Tewkesbury
GL20 8HD
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