Thread by @GreenPartyWomen

.@rebekkapopovic and @DrLizaSelley kick off our air pollution event by discussing their work -based on research from across the world- on the link between air pollution & COVID19 in the UK.

Link between common pollutants such as nitrogen ocides & ozone with COVID-19 mortality...

This may be due to the background lung inflammation that pollution causes, possibly adding to the effect of existing health complications.

This mirrors similar studies in Europe & USA

Therefore, research show that high levels of pollution can worsen symptons of air pollution...

Research is also emerging on what has been called the
'magic carpet hypothesis', which argues that the virus may hitch a ride on air pollution particles. So more particle exposure = virus exposure.

More research needed...

Air pollution spokeswoman @rosamund_ElsFdn: this will affect BAME communities which are already more affected by air pollution

Bus drivers are in particularly danger from #COVID19. More research needed on why- more exposure to the virus or heightened risk de to diesel pollution?

[child bereavement TW] @rosamund_ElsFdn explains why she set up the Ella Roberta Family Foundation raising awareness of the links between asthma & air polution after her daughter's death in 2013.

That air pollution contributes to underlying conditions must take this into account

Delay in putting measures in place is concerning

Virus will be with us a while - now we know air pollution is a factor we can take into account in decision-making

The quality of indoor air pollution is actually 13 times worse than outdoor pollution, so getting out is better...

@rosamund_ElsFdn: 1 study shows 11,000 lives saved so far during lockdown due to lower air pollution.

3/4 children in every classroom have asthma - deeply concerning. We need to protect them.

Women and children in general most affected by air indoor & outdoor air pollution...

What are some of the ways we can reduce our *indoor* air pollution during #COVID19 and in general?

- open windows (depends on where you live)
- reduce scented candles.
- less aerosols.
-carpets.
- awareness of flame-retardants in furniture etc.
- awareness of dust mites

...

The virus will be with us so we need to tackle air pollution.

@rosamund_ElsFdn: Understandable that people want to drive because they are worried about public transport but remember that air pollution is worse *inside* your car than outside

We need cycling & walking provision

Solutions:
-incentivise cycling/walking
-ssafer cycling, separate cycle lanes
-educating general public on air pollution- it's a problem outside of #covid19!
- reduce all pollution and emissions

Thank you to our brilliant speakers @DrLizaSelley @rebekkapopovic & @rosamund_ElsFdn