Leading paediatricians have called for a new law to phase out wood-burning stoves in urban family homes to protect children’s health. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) issued a position statement urging the government to take stricter action against air pollution. One of the key recommendations is to eliminate domestic wood-burning in urban areas, help rural residents transition away from wood heating, and support those in fuel poverty with fuel cost assistance.
The RCPCH also advocates for monitoring air quality around schools and granting councils the authority to intervene when pollution levels exceed safety limits. Additionally, the organisation proposes the implementation of Ella’s law, named after a girl who died due to asthma aggravated by air pollution, and Awaab’s law to safeguard private renters from hazardous living conditions like damp and mould.
Dr. Mike McKean, RCPCH’s vice president for policy, emphasised the detrimental effects of air pollution on children’s lung development, highlighting the urgency to prioritise clean air initiatives. The RCPCH also urges the government to work towards ensuring that half of urban journeys can be walked or cycled by 2030, alongside improving public transport accessibility.
The RCPCH underscored the significance of addressing air pollutants such as PM2.5 and nitrogen dioxide, emphasising that the current air pollution limits in the UK exceed World Health Organisation guidelines by four times. PM2.5, a harmful air pollutant, can lead to long-term health conditions in children and can adversely affect their developing organs.
Dr. Emily Parker, an RCPCH clinical fellow, stressed the need for national actions to tackle air pollution effectively to protect children from avoidable harm. The organisation outlined the urgency for the UK government to commit to WHO’s air quality guidelines to safeguard human health.
The RCPCH’s stance on phasing out wood-burning stoves and implementing stringent air quality regulations reflects a proactive approach to safeguarding children’s health and well-being in the face of environmental challenges.