Ella’s Legacy, The Right To Breathe
16/02/2026
What Ella’s story reveals about air pollution, housing, and why clean air must be treated as a basic public health protection, not a postcode lottery.
Nine year old Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah was the first person in the UK to have air pollution named on her death certificate. In this powerful conversation, Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah CBE joins host Jenny Danson, CEO of Healthy Homes Hub, to share Ella’s story and what must change in law, policy and housing.
Key themes include:
How 28 months of hospital admissions exposed the invisible harm caused by polluted air.
Why Ella’s Law, the Clean Air (Human Rights) Bill, seeks to make clean air a legal right and align with World Health Organization standards.
The links between outdoor and indoor air, COVID, PM2.5 and chronic conditions such as asthma, heart disease and dementia.
Why new homes must be built to healthy standards so they do not need immediate retrofit.
The role of public campaigns, schools and public buildings in making “safe air” the norm.
Useful links:
Ella Roberta Family Foundation: https://ellaroberta.org/
Clean Air (Human Rights) “Ella’s Law”: https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/news-events/news/2025-11/fph-rcpch-bacaph-joint-statement-re-introduction-clean-air-human-rights
Clean Air Act 1956 (background): https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Eliz2/4-5/52/enacted
Practical steps for housing providers
Audit high risk homes and estates near main roads or pollution hotspots, prioritising children and people with respiratory conditions.
Treat indoor air quality as a core building safety issue and specify ventilation and filtration in all new build and retrofit programmes.
Work with local health partners to identify repeat asthma admissions linked to particular blocks or streets, then act on the housing factors.
Build clean air education into resident engagement so people understand both outdoor and indoor risks without feeling blamed.
Publicly support Ella’s Law and wider clean air legislation, making clear that healthy air is fundamental to a healthy home.
What Are the Benefits of Being a Member of the Healthy Homes Hub?
Industry Recognition and Networking:
Connect with a thriving network of over 350 housing organisations, including decision-makers, innovators, and leaders. Build partnerships that enhance your professional growth and create lasting business opportunities.
Showcase Your Expertise:
Demonstrate your impact by participating in exclusive case studies, webinars, and events. Highlight your contributions to creating healthier, sustainable homes, reaching a broad audience across the sector.
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Be part of shaping housing policy through direct engagement with policymakers and advocacy efforts. Stay at the forefront of discussions driving meaningful change in the housing sector.
Access to Market Insights:
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Specialised Events and Workshops:
Take part in events like the Immersive Study Tours, offering hands-on learning and networking opportunities. Visit groundbreaking projects and facilities to explore real-world solutions for healthier and more sustainable homes.
Exclusive Tools and Resources:
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Collaboration Opportunities:
Contribute to Healthy Homes Hub’s mission by sharing best practices, participating in action learning programmes like the Retrofit Society, or co-developing solutions with academic and industry leaders.
