23 Mar 2010 02:03:32

Air pollution linked to 50,000 early deaths a year

Around 50,000 people in the UK die prematurely each year as result of air pollution, a new report claims.

The House of Commons environmental audit committee argued that minute particles from burning fuel are exacerbating respiratory illnesses and heart disease.

According to the group of MPs, poor air quality is shortening the lives of UK citizens by between seven and eight months.

In heavily polluted areas, like central London, this rises to nine years for the most vulnerable people.

Tom Yeo, chairman of the committee, said the government should be taking more action to combat air pollution, given the findings.

"Much more needs to be done to save lives and reduce the enormous burden air pollution is placing on the NHS," he remarked.

The publication of the report follows a study by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare which found that three per cent of all asthma hospitalisations in 2006 were related to air pollution.

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