Air quality link to pneumonia deaths

10:14am Wednesday 23rd April 2008

Comments (2)   Have your say »

EXHAUST fumes may be responsible for the deaths of more than 2,000 people in the area from pneumonia, new research has found.

A team from the University of Birmingham used data on atmospheric emissions, causes of death, and expected causes of death from 352 local authorities across England to calculate the impact of pollution on death rates between 1996 and 2004.

The findings, published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, suggest a strong link between engine exhaust emissions and deaths from pneumonia.

Lewisham borough was found to have the highest number of pneumonia deaths per head in England, with 2,359 people reported dead from the illness between 1996 and 2004.

Professor George Knox, author of the study, said: "The main finding was a strong correlation between deaths from pneumonia and engine exhaust emissions, together with other transport-related substances.

"Total annual losses as a result of air pollution probably approach those of the 1952 London smog."

Age Concern Lewisham has raised concerns about the report as pneumonia, an infection or inflammation in the lung tissue, is a leading cause of death among the elderly.

Its chief executive, Brenda Bond, said: "Clearly more must be done to protect people and to improve the quality of life of residents.

"We will be requesting further action to address this issue for residents of Lewisham."

A Lewisham Council spokes- man said: "Improving air quality is a top priority for the council and one we take very seriously."

Earlier this year the council adopted an air quality action plan which will focus on the reduction of traffic volume, increased use of alternative fuels, technology and public transport.

A low emission zone, covering the whole of greater London, was introduced in February by London Mayor Ken Livingstone to reduce harmful emissions from the most polluting diesel-engined lorries, coaches and buses.

Lorries weighing more than 12 tonnes are currently required to pay £200 a day to drive through London, but the restrictions will be extended to vehicles weighing 3.5 tonnes or more from July 7.

An free service called Airtext, co-ordinated by local authorities across the captial, provides up-to-date information on potential air quality risks via text message, email or voicemail.

For more information, visit airtext.info