Ella, a nine-year-old girl, lost her life on 15 February 2013 after a severe asthma attack. This untimely demise of a young girl is set to become the first legal case of death due to ‘air pollution’.
Ella Adoo Kissi-Debrah lived just a few dozen meters from one of London’s most congested roads in Lewisham. She had been hospitalized nearly 30 times with respiratory illnesses over the course of a three-year period. She suffered seizures and severe asthma.
Initially, it was believed that she died due to her illness but in 2014. A judicial inquiry focused on medical care provided to the child found she died of acute respiratory failure as a result of a severe asthma attack which was believed to have been triggered by high pollution levels. In December 2019, her family was successful in their application to the High Court to reopen the inquest in the light of new evidence regarding air pollution levels.
Her mother Rosamund, has been determined to get justice for her daughter. With her efforts, she was able to conduct a campaign and the inquiry has been re-started recently. Over the period of 10 days, it will be deliberated upon whether or not air pollution caused or triggered Ella’s death.
Another thing that would be considered during the inquest would be how pollution levels were monitored at the time. Issues such as steps taken to reduce air pollution, and information provided to the public about the levels, the dangers, and ways to reduce exposure, will also be taken up.
According to a report given by Prof Stephen Holgate acclaimed expert, it is said that air pollution levels near Ella’s home “consistently” exceeded lawful European Union limits over the three years prior to her death. The inquest will look at potential failings by the authorities to take adequate steps to reduce pollution and provide the public with information about the risks of air pollution, and the extent to which they contributed to Ella’s death.
If this campaign sees success, it will be a breakthrough. If Ella’s cause of death was air pollution, it would be first of its kind. The hearing could also determine whether Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights is engaged — in terms of arguable failures by the UK authorities — such that Ella should have been afforded a ‘right to life’.
If it all this happens, it will also be helpful for India as the ill effects of pollution would gain more attention and sensitize authorities. This will also give clear message that it’s the government’s obligation to protect our right to life which includes ensuring our right to breathe clean air. Toxic air causes 7 million premature deaths every year worldwide, and kills 500,000 children under 5 years old.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), ambient air pollution causes 4.2 million deaths every year globally. Another 3.8 million deaths are caused by household exposure to dirty cookstoves and fuels. Ninety-one per cent of the world’s population lives in places where the air quality is worse than is recommended by WHO guidelines.
