Toxic air kills 40,000 people in the UK every year, study reveals
DIRTY diesel is killing people in almost every town and city in Britain, a study reveals.
Air pollution is blamed for 40,000 deaths in the country where it now exceeds World Health Organisation limits in 44 out of 51 urban areas.
The levels of fine, sooty particles, which are linked to heart disease, lung and breast cancer, were up to 60 per cent too high.
Glasgow and Scunthorpe were the dirtiest places, followed by London, Leeds, Eastbourne, Salford and Southampton.
Dr Penny Woods, of the British Lung Foundation, said: “This reveals the tragic reality that the most polluted areas are exactly where our most vulnerable are — schools, hospitals and clinics.”
Researcher Dr Toby Hillman, from the Royal College of Physicians, said diesel was now the main cause of air pollution.
He said: “We know the effects of poor air quality run from cradle to grave. It’s a lifetime threat to human health.”
