Every child and young person has the right to breathe clean air, with healthy lungs. Pre-conception, in utero and early life conditions affect children’s lungs, their lung growth and their long-term health. Government, societal and individual action to address this is needed, including the provision and distribution of the necessary resources, both to protect children now and to prevent future ill health, disability and premature death. Government, charities, professional bodies, and other organisations must consider impacts on child health in all their policies and ensure children, their families and carers have appropriate protection and support.

To address this, the Asthma UK and British Lung Foundation Partnership Children’s Charter for Lung Health, endorsed by The British Paediatric Respiratory Society and the British Thoracic Society as well as the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Respiratory Care, and the Association of Respiratory Nurse Specialists sets out 10 principles in three groups to guide policy development and action.