Air pollution deaths defined by region in new report

A breakdown of the number of deaths linked to air pollution across the different local authorities in the UK has been estimated in a new report. Public Health England (PHE) has issued estimates of the number of people that die in different regions due to long-term exposure to particulate air pollution. This is the first time that estimates have been released that are attributed to different local authority areas.

The report looks at the average concentrations of PM2.5 pollution - particulate matter that measures under 2.5 micrometers - across different areas throughout a year. The figures released by the PHE build upon previous estimates that were calculated for the Public Health Outcomes Framework. The previous figures looked at the percentage of deaths within local authorities that could be attributed to long-term air pollution exposure.

Estimates are related to exposure to PM2.5 pollution over a matter of years, rather than short-term exposure to high levels. However, PHE states that high episodes of air pollution over a short amount of time can still be damaging to health and can lead to a number of complications; including reduced lung function, exacerbation of asthma and mortality.

Although air pollution has been reduced in recent years and work is ongoing to improve air quality further, the report estimates that the average Briton has their life expectancy reduced by around six months due to long-term exposure to air pollution. Around 29,000 deaths each year within the UK have been attributed to air pollution each year.

Dr Sotiris Vardoulakis, head of Air Pollution and Climate Change at PHE, said: "The report has been produced to inform public health professionals and air quality specialists in local authorities about the likely effects of particle air pollution on public health in the UK. The estimates are intended to help local authorities consider air pollution among other public health issues."

With air pollution levels defined by region, it could enable local authorities to take more informed steps to improve air quality further and therefore help to improve conditions for residents. Implementing new strategies and creating green spaces could go a long way to improve the air quality in small areas, as well as aiding the UK's overall emissions reduction targets.