BBC Breakfast presenter Naga, 43, was joined on the programme by her co-host Jon Kay to present the day’s news and events.
In one segment, the journalists were joined by the cardiology consultant Cara Hendry to talk about the rising impact of pollution on health as well as lifestyle problems.
Yet as the guest attempted to explain what people need to do, especially living in areas such as cities which have higher levels, a frustrated Naga demanded clarification on what people can realistically do to change the situation.
Cara began by saying the northwest have got one of the “highest rates of mortality for cardiovascular disease in the UK”, which prompted a blunt reply from the presenter.
Clearly a matter she felt strongly about, Naga was keen to break down tangible solutions for people to replicate in their own lives.
“It’s all very well saying look at policies,” Naga declared. “And no one’s going to disagree with you, but in the meantime what are people going to do that are in flats or communities where they’re busy?
“You can’t just afford to get up and leave, even if your health depends on it. People are just not in that position, even if there are a few that are it’s not [feasible].”
Seemingly trying to remain calm under the intense questioning, Cara replied: “And in particular the people who are aren’t going to be particularly mobile and able to move.
“What we need to do as well, is we need to play our part, we need to exercise more, we need to choose to cycle, and run, instead of driving everywhere.”
Still not satisfied, Naga pressed: “Ok but where do you do that if you’re living in a polluted area?”
Cara continued: “Areas of cities really, or living next to busy roads so this is where we need to make sure the infrastructure is improved so more cycle ways – make it easier for people to make the right choice.
“People will choose what’s easy, we need to make it easier for them to choose what’s right for their health.”
Presenter Jon, 48, also felt passionate about the issue and was keen to share his own experiences.
“What you were saying…” Jon agreed. “I’d get more pollution going for a run near these vehicles than I would if I just stayed at home and sat down!”
“Absolutely and that’s something we have to think about as well,” Cara then continued. “The time of day, for example, that we go to exercise. And look at the pollution levels perhaps when the pollution’s highest in the morning or highest heat of the day and you could maybe change the time you exercise to reduce exposure.”
“Are there any other things we can do in our lives?” Jon then asked. “We talk about policies and politicians and agreements on a national level, but in our day to day lives what can we do to try and minimise our exposure?”
Cara was keen to reiterate the need for exercise in lifestyles, and to take public transport instead of driving.
“Face masks, should we be wearing masks?” Jon asked the doctor, who shut the idea down.
“Why, because they don’t work?” Naga then pushed, as Cara gave advice to people living in those areas.
They do work, but if you’re in a polluted area, and these proposals aren’t happening because of funding and mobility issues I think we have to recognise this is a small change, not an enormous change which will affect us on a daily basis.
“What’s more important on a population level is to reduce the amount of smoking, to reduce obesities, for people to eat less and prevent the risk of diabetes, these are much more important risk factors.
She continued: “Danger is we’re now adding pollution in to all these traditional risk factors to make the risks even higher.”
BBC Breakfast continues weekdays at 6am on BBC One.
