HEALTH warnings have been plastered across fuel pumps in Bracknell and Reading as part of a campaign calling for greater transparency about the health impacts of fossil fuels.
Around 300 stickers have been slapped on pumps at 30 different fuel stations in Reading and 20 in Bracknell.
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The stickers, which imitate the government’s ‘stay alert’ coronavirus warnings, the notorious ‘your country needs you’ message and much more, were placed by environmental campaigners Extinction Rebellion to raise awareness about the health impact of fossil fuels and consequently, air pollution.
Local activist Dr Kani Varshneya explained: “This fuel pump action is intended to serve like the warning sign on a cigarette packet.
“You still buy it but there’s a gnawing feeling at the back of your mind that reminds you that it’s slowly killing you.
“Maybe one day the seed will grow and you’ll decide to quit.”
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According to the World Health Organisation, air pollution created by emissions from vehicles powered by fossil fuels can increase the risk of respiratory infections, heart disease and lung cancer.
Children, the elderly and poor people are more vulnerable to the effects of high levels of air pollution.
Across the UK, health warning stickers were placed on around 20,000 fuel pumps.
Led by Doctors for Extinction Rebellion, the campaign builds on calls for official health warning labels on fuel pumps from public health academics.
Health warnings of this kind have already made an appearance on fuel pumps in Sweden.
Co-Founder of the Doctors for Extinction Rebellion group, Dr Chris Newman’ said: “It is our duty as health professionals to warn the public that continued fossil fuel use is wrecking our life support systems.
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“We no longer have time to ask for permission. As a group, we will continue to do what the science and our duty of care asks of us, and we urge our government to do the same.
“And if they won’t, you can be sure the people will.”
Doctors for Extinction Rebellion have also launched a petition calling for health warnings to be added at the point of purchase of fossil fuels such as petrol, which can be viewed here: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/333388
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