Study Protocol. Evaluating the life-course health impact of a city-wide system approach to improve air quality in Bradford

Air quality is a major public health threat linked to poor birth outcomes, respiratory and cardiovascular disease, and premature mortality. Deprived groups, children and the elderly are disproportionately affected. Air quality-related illness costs the NHS and wider economy £20 billion/year. Due to illegal levels, the UK Government has issued directives to 28 local authorities to quickly reduce pollution, with charging ‘Clean Air Zones’ (CAZ), where polluting vehicles are charged to enter, a key component. However, evidence about the effectiveness of CAZs to improve health is scarce. Bradford will implement a CAZ as part of the Bradford Clean Air Plan (B-CAP) in 2021 to reduce pollution, providing a natural experiment.

08/01/2025

1 year