Heavily polluted Oxford Street puts Christmas shoppers at risk of heart attack, scientists claim

 
Respiratory risk: just two hours on Oxford Street puts shoppers at risk of heart and lung problems (Picture: PA)
Alexandra Rucki5 December 2014

Christmas shoppers who head to Oxford Street risk putting themselves in danger of heart attacks and lung problems, scientists warned.

Research has found people who spend just two hours on the busy street can cause significant harm to their arteries.

People who suffer from respiratory problems, such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema, saw their lung capacity reduced after spending time in Oxford Circus.

A study by the Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trist found even healthy people saw an increase in aerial stiffness for 24 hours because of air pollution.

The damage is mainly caused by nitrogen dioxide pollution, produced by toxic fumes from London buses and taxi cabs.

Christmas shopping: millions are expected to visit Oxford Street to buy festive gifts in the next few weeks (Picture: Nigel Howard)

Scientists said the carbon particles can pass through the lungs, into the blood and increase the risk of a heart attack.

Oxford Street was recently named as the worst place in the world for levels of nitrogen dioxide.

Scientists blamed the tall multi-storey department stores close to each other which traps diesel pollution for longer at street level.

Rudy Sinharay, who worked on the study, told The Times: “Airways obstruction and a stiffening of the arteries occurred in both the healthy volunteers and people with lung disease, even after limited exposure to diesel pollution.

“On the whole, the major health risk is cumulative over a long period of time. Christmas shoppers shouldn't panic, but it would be wise for people with chronic lung or heart disease to check the air pollution forecast and limit their exposure on very polluted days.”

The Mayor of London is working on a package of measures to improve London’s air quality.

In a statement earlier this week, Matthew Pencharz , senior environment and energy adviser to the Mayor, said plans are in place to introduce an Ultra Low Emission Zone.

He said: “At the heart of his plans is the world’s first Ultra Low Emission Zone in central London from 2020. Already, progress is being made. Unlike many cities, we have met EU rules on particulate matter. The number of Londoners living in areas above nitrogen dioxide (NO2) limits has halved since 2008.”

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