How does pollution affect people?

Severe air pollution is known to cause breathing and heart problems, as well as possible aggravation of asthmatic and other bronchial conditions.

Children are particularly at risk, as their bodies are less resilient and the pollutants have a more concentrated effect. Older people and those who already have respiratory problems are also more likely to suffer from the effects of pollution.

In addition, air pollution damages the environment, destroying the ecosystems in our green spaces and even corroding the bricks of our buildings.

What are the consequences?

Chronic exposure to high levels of air pollution can even cause premature death.

Research carried out for the NHS Executive in London and supported by the GLA estimates that transport-related pollution in the capital has a direct and major effect on the health of the city:

• Pollution can be blamed for an estimated 200 premature deaths in the capital each year, and a similar number of hospital admissions for breathing problems
• An additional 1,200 or so serious health incidents requiring hospital admission can be attributed to pollution, as well as an additional 500,000 to 1 million minor health events that require medical treatment
• An estimated 35,000 years of life are lost to Londoners every year as a result of air pollution

(Source: On the move: Informing transport health impact assessment in London, Oct 2000. Available at www.londonshealth.gov.uk.)

This table shows the sources of the main air pollutants, and their potential health effects:

Cause and effect

Pollutant	Sources	Health effects
Nitrogen dioxide	Road transport, commercial and domestic boilers, power stations and industry	Causes irritation to airways and can increase asthma symptoms at high concentrations
Fine particulates (PM10)	Road transport (mainly diesels), power stations, commercial and domestic boilers	Can cause heart and lung diseases. Can also lead to premature death in people who are already ill
Carbon monoxide	Petrol vehicles, commercial and domestic boilers, industry	Deprives the blood of oxygen and can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea. At very high levels it can lead to death
Ozone	Produced when sunlight reacts with vehicle exhaust fumes	Causes irritation to eyes, nose and throat. Can also cause damage to the lungs and airways
Benzene	Petrol vehicles and and petrol filling stations	Long term exposure can increase risk of cancer
Lead	Petrol vehicles, industry	Can damage children's learning abilities and affect their concentration
Sulphur dioxide	Power stations, diesel vehicles, industry	Causes coughing, irritation and narrowing of airways. Aggravates existing asthma and bronchitis

Source: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)

http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/airquality/strategy/pdf/chapter4.pdf