Local environmentalist group Sustainable Three Rivers (S3R) is launching a campaign with Three Rivers District Council asking residents to think about the impact air pollution is having on Rickmansworth.
Air pollution is something that not only causes environmental damage but can also damage a person’s health.
A spokesperson for S3R said: “Air pollution can harm every organ in the body. It can shorten lives, contributing towards chronic illness and putting people more at risk from Covid-19.
“When polluted air is breathed it can inflame the lining of the lungs and move into our bloodstream, affecting every organ in the body. This can lead to lung disease, heart disease, dementia and strokes.
“The bad news is that it’s a particularly bad problem in our local area, with mortality rates linked to air pollution above county, regional and even national averages.”
The Clean Air Campaign is set to be launched this autumn, with S3R also providing residents tips on what they can do in the meantime to prevent the spread of this pollution.
The main thing a person can do is stop idling inside cars and switch off the engine if the car is stopped for at least one minute or longer. Keeping engines on when stopped is a major contributor to the issue, and this small action can make a huge difference.
Residents can also find out how much they personally contribute to air pollution levels by using this online calculator: www.calculator.cleanairhub.org.uk/quiz
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