Air Quality Group

The Air Quality Group brings together clinical, scientific and policy expertise to examine the effects of air pollution on health and advocate for evidence-based action. The Group advises and supports the College on issues including domestic wood burning, air quality monitoring around schools, transport emissions, air quality standards and the relationship between health and climate policy.

Through its work, the Group aims to strengthen understanding of the health impacts of poor air quality, inform public policy and support practical measures that reduce exposure to harmful pollution.

The Group’s work

The Air Quality Group works to raise awareness of the health harms associated with poor air quality and provide scientific and clinical evidence to policymakers. Its work has addressed domestic wood burning, air quality monitoring around schools, transport emissions, climate policy and stronger air quality standards.

The Group contributes to national advisory bodies and works with organisations including Global Action Plan, NASUWT, Asthma + Lung UK Scotland and the Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland. It has also supported joint advocacy calling on Defra to address the risks of air pollution from domestic burning and urging the Scottish Government to retain the right to a healthy environment within its forthcoming Human Rights Bill. The Group also supports education and public engagement through lectures, collaboration with schools and citizen science activity.

Projects have included research into the availability of air quality monitoring around Scottish city schools, the use of portable monitors within an Edinburgh school and work examining air quality in school transport. The evidence gathered through this work supports the Group’s calls for practical interventions and informs its engagement with government.