Motion 36
Clean Air
“That this Congress notes that the United Nations General Assembly has passed a historic resolution declaring that everyone on the planet has a right to a healthy environment, including clean air, water, and a stable climate.
“Congress agrees that air pollution is damaging our health and increasing our risk of dying early.
“Congress notes that:
- children, older people, and people with chronic health problems are among the most susceptible to air pollution;
- gestation, infancy, and early childhood are vulnerable times as the body is growing and has immature immune systems;
- children spend a higher proportion of their time outdoors; and
- our poorest children and adults live in areas of highest pollution thus exacerbating pre-existing health inequalities.
“Congress further notes that research on air pollution points towards effects on growth, intelligence, development of the brain and coordination.
“Congress therefore calls on the General Council to support the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh recommendation that air quality monitors be placed at all Scottish city primary, secondary and ASN schools.
“Congress agrees that air quality remains an ongoing concern for workers both outside and within their workplaces.
“Congress recognises that good ventilation has been acknowledged as a key mitigation against transmission of Covid-19 and similar respiratory viruses.
“Congress therefore calls on the General Council to call for action to secure air filters in every classroom, office and workplace, acknowledging that:
- the benefits extend beyond Covid-19, for example, decreasing CO2 levels and air pollution have a positive impact on the ability to learn with research showing that cleaner indoor air improves cognition and productivity amongst children and adolescents; and
- increasing ventilation, combined with the use of air filters and enhanced cleaning routines, reduces levels of general sickness absence, again improving outcomes and reducing costs.”
Mover: NASUWT
RSS