The impact of air pollution on respiratory illnesses in Bradford district

Air pollution is a major contributor to environmental and health risk worldwide, with deprived communities most impacted. Bradford is a deprived, multi-ethnic city with high pollution and rates of respiratory illnesses. However, the relationship between Bradford district monitoring of air-pollutants and A&E and GP visits for respiratory illnesses in the city has not been explored previously.

We will explore the relationship between levels of pollution in the city (recorded routinely by Bradford Council) and respiratory illness amongst the Bradford population using data recorded from general practice (GP) and accident and emergency (A&E) records.

The findings will highlight the health impacts of air pollution in the City of Bradford. Exploring the time lag between air quality incidents and subsequent attendance at GP and A&E departments will help services plan for potential increased demand based on projected air quality levels. The findings will also improve awareness and encourage policy makers to devise measures to reduce in the City.