Why severe wildfires are becoming more frequent in the UK and how to cope with the health risks 

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Chemical and environmental hazards
Aerial view of a residential street bordered by dense vegetation, with two fire engines and an emergency vehicle responding to a wildfire in Kent. Smoke drifts from the vegetation beside the road, while rows of houses line the opposite side and firefighters work near the vehicles.

Wildfires are actually common in the UK, although most are typically small and of short duration. Hot, dry weather can dry out vegetation providing fuel for fires and increase the risk of wildfires. Climate change projections suggest we will see conditions more favourable for larger, more severe wildfires.  

What the evidence says about interventions to reduce pollution and improve lives

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Protecting the country's health, UKHSA science
Girl wheels her bicycle towards a school entrance

Breathing in polluted air affects our health, reduces our life expectancy, and costs our society billions of pounds each year. It is estimated that 2 million healthy life years are lost in Europe due to the impacts of poor air …