There is widespread misunderstanding of air pollution and its effects in the media. This relates to the complexities of studying and reporting on the issue - multiple different associated pollutants and diverse reported toxic effects. This article explains what air pollution is and how it may affect health, from heart to brain. It then explains, using Scotland as an example, how pollution can be reduced to levels at which public health effects become small but that, because of its close causative link with climate change, both government action and, especially, our individual responses to the issue are still urgently necessary. The medical profession is urged to set an example by reducing personal carbon footprints.
Keywords: air pollution; climate change; health effects; pollutant emissions.