Asthma Cases Surge in UK as Experts Link Rise to Toxic Air

Asthma Cases Surge in UK as Experts Link Rise to Toxic Air
…………………

Asthma-related visits to GPs in the UK rose sharply in the first half of 2025, reaching 45,458 compared with 31,376 during the same period last year, according to new data from the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP). The figures show asthma attacks have consistently remained above the five-year average this year.

The increase follows a Royal College of Physicians report revealing that 99% of the UK population breathes toxic air, which is linked to 500 deaths weekly and an annual cost of £27 billion due to poor health, NHS care, and lost productivity.

RCGP chair Prof Kamila Hawthorne described air pollution as an often-overlooked public health crisis, calling on ministers and city leaders to expand clean air zones. She said more action is needed to reduce exposure in the most affected communities.

A government spokesperson said tackling air pollution remains a priority, with £575 million already allocated to local authorities to improve air quality and reduce emissions as part of a wider 10-year health plan focused on prevention.