The world’s first diesel air pollution ward to be unveiled in London, South Bank

The world’s first diesel air pollution ward unveiled on the Southbank calling for London to phase out diesel by 2030

This Tuesday, London’s first diesel air pollution ward will open its doors on London’s Southbank, showcasing the devastating health impacts of air pollution – particularly diesel – and resulting hospital admissions.

What: A campaign stunt bringing attention to the devastating health impacts of air pollution in London. The stunt will be delivered by a group of campaigners, fronted by Mums for Lungs with support from the Clean Cities Campaign, who are calling for London to phase out diesel vehicles by 2030, to protect the next generation from its devastating health impacts. They want to see commitments from all levels of government to phase out diesel by 2030.

When: Tuesday 11 July, 08:30 – 12:00

Where: The Observation Point (Southbank),56 Upper Ground, London, SE1 9PP

Who: Spokespeople for the campaign will be available for interviews on the day including:

Oliver Lord, Clean Cities Campaign: About the campaign and the disproportionate contribution of diesel vehicles to London’s air pollution
Jemima Hartshorn, Founder, Mums for Lungs: About the campaign and the impact of diesel pollution on children’s health
Ruth Fitzharris, local mum: Ruth can discuss her child’s recurrent admissions to hospital with respiratory conditions linked to air pollution
Agnes Agyepong, CEO and founder, Global Black Maternal Health: The impact of air pollution on health inequalities and disproportionate impact on Black mothers and their children
Doctors and health professionals working in London’s hospitals: How air pollution impacts our health, from respiratory conditions, cancers and heart disease to cognitive decline and mental health
Why: Diesel is one of the biggest contributors to the air pollution that is putting Londoners’ health at risk:

Air pollution contributes to lifelong illnesses, including one in ten cases of lung cancer
Poor air quality leads to an estimated 4,000 premature deaths in London a year
Over 2,800 children and young people were admitted to hospital with asthma in London in 2021/22.
Living near a busy road in London can stunt a child’s lung growth by 13%
The health effects of air pollution cost the NHS £20bn a year
A reduction in NO2 of 10 µg/m3 (28%) could prevent over 600 deaths and save over 1,300 days spent in London’s hospitals due to respiratory conditions each year