The London Assembly Health and Environment Committee have today released a paper which highlights work on tackling air pollution in London, identifies a number of pressing issues, and considers options for possible future policy development.

The paper emphasises the long-term health impact of toxic pollutants, which have been linked to life-shortening lung and heart conditions. It also highlights an estimated 4,000 extra deaths each year in London from particulates and health costs at up to £20 billion a year - twice the cost of obesity. According to recent official figures quoted in the paper, the percentage of deaths attributable to man-made airborne particles was highest in the City of London (9 per cent), Westminster (8.3 per cent), Kensington and Chelsea (8.3 per cent) and Tower Hamlets (8.1 per cent). Bromley and Havering (both 6.3 per cent) had the lowest proportion in London, though still above the England average of 5.6 percent.

The press release can be found here

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Item date 10/12/2012