Londoners 'exposed to the most toxic type of air pollution every single day'

The whole capital exceeds World Health Organisation guidelines for dangerous PM2.5 particles
Jeremy Selwyn
Pippa Crerar4 October 2017

Every single Londoner is exposed to dangerously high levels of the most toxic air pollution on a daily basis, new research revealed today.

The data shows for the first time that the whole capital exceeds World Health Organisation guidelines for the perilous PM2.5 particles.

The pollutant is acknowledged by scientists as having the greatest impact on health – increasing the likelihood of both respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Children exposed to PM2.5s are more likely to grow up with reduced lung function and develop asthma.

The report, released by City Hall, also reveals that 95 per cent of the capital’s population live in areas which exceed WHO guidelines of 10 microgrammes per cubic metre by at least 50 per cent.

The Mayor has issued seven toxic air alerts in the last 13 months, one because the level of pollution was deemed “very high”.

It came as he signed London up to the Breathe Life coalition to work with other global cities to drive down emissions of toxic pollutants.

Around half of PM2.5 in London comes from outside the city although the key sources within the capital are from tyre and brake wear, construction sites and wood burning.

Mr Khan has called for powers to tackle the dangerous emissions including banning wood-burning stoves in the most polluted parts of the capital.

He told an environment conference: “This research is another damning indictment of the toxic air that all Londoners are forced to breathe every day.

“We should be ashamed that our young people – the next generation of Londoners – are being exposed to these tiny particles of toxic dust that are seriously damaging their lungs and shortening their life expectancy.

“I understand this is really difficult for Londoners, but that’s why I felt it was so important that I made this information public so people really understand the scale of the challenge we face.”

Erik Solheim, head of UN Environment, said: “This support for the Breathe Life campaign means that millions of people can cease being hostage to toxic fumes. It sets an example of positive action that we hope cities around the world will follow.”

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