Air pollution in worst hit areas as deadly as smoking over 150 cigarettes each year

Air pollution in worst hit areas as deadly as smoking over 150 cigarettes each year People living in areas of the country that are worst affected by air pollution have an increased risk of death that is on average the equivalent to smoking over 150 cigarettes a year, the British Heart Foundation has warned.

The new analysis of data comes as we urge the next government to urgently adopt into law tougher World Health Organisation (WHO) air pollution limits.

The UK currently subscribes to EU limits on levels of fine particulate matter called PM2.5, which are not as stringent as those set by the WHO. This fine particulate matter is the most dangerous kind of air pollution, with the smallest particles finding their way into the circulatory system when inhaled.

See also:

• Breathing London air is 'like smoking 160 cigarettes a year' The Daily Mail
• City air pollution is equivalent of smoking 150 cigarettes a year The Daily Telegraph
• Breathing London air same as smoking 150 cigarettes a year, experts warn The Independent