<i>The Independent on Sunday</i> asthma campaign

Today we launch The Independent on Sunday Asthma Campaign. Why? Because Britain is choking. Asthma afflicts at least 5.1 million of us. One child in seven now has it – six times as many as 25 years ago. The number of adults has risen fourfold.

Internal links

Asthma in children: the damning new evidence we cannot ignore

More spending needed on 'green' energy sources

Road tolls could cut congestion and pollution

How bad is it? It's like drowning - and I'm getting breathless now just thinking about it

Every breath they take by the roadside is a risk. Now scientists can prove it

The fumes on my way to work set off an attack

Let's get Britain breathing more easily again

Asthma: Your letters

Asthma: Your questions

Today we launch The Independent on Sunday Asthma Campaign. Why? Because Britain is choking. Asthma afflicts at least 5.1 million of us. One child in seven now has it – six times as many as 25 years ago. The number of adults has risen fourfold.

This asphyxiating disease kills 30 people a week and even the mildest forms can cause misery – yet it receives remarkably little attention.

For eight years The Independent on Sunday has campaigned for action to cut down air pollution from traffic. Successive governments have hidden behind the excuse that there was no proof it caused asthma. The growing scientific evidence is compelling: ministers need to take urgent action. So do doctors and head teachers.

Inside we investigate the truth about asthma and outline what can be done. We also want to hear your stories and ideas. With your help The IoS will work with asthma and environmental campaigners to bring about real change, helping Britain to breathe more easily.