Death Rates Due To Air Pollution in Hillingdon Soar

Published on 28-11-2013 by Dr Paul Beckett

Hillingdon, a suburban area within the London Borough of Hillingdon near Charing Cross, has experienced the largest growth in fatal outcomes related to air pollution in the United Kingdom, according to a study conducted by the government.
The percentage of deaths caused by air pollution in the area increased by 0.36% to 6.86% in 2011 compared to the previous year, Public Health England revealed, as reported by the Hillingdon Times.
In 2011, a total of 15 London boroughs experienced growth in the percentage of deaths related to air pollution compared to 2010. Westminster was the borough with the highest death rate percentage, standing at 8.32%, closely followed by Kensington, with 8.27%.
When looking at the picture nationwide, London has the worst air quality in Britain, especially when compared to the declining percentages in many other areas of England.
Londoners need more protection from air pollution, said baroness Jenny Jones, a member of the Green Party. It is very disappointing that so many people living in London are exposed to such high levels of pollution from vehicles. There is a need for more electric vehicles, especially vans and buses, Jones added.
Fine particle matter such as PM2.5, which reduces visibility and causes haziness in the air when their level is elevated, mainly originates from vehicle exhausts and can also cause respiratory and heart diseases, especially in children.
The study also shows that living near roads with traffic of more than 10,000 vehicles a day may be the cause for 15% to 30% of all new cases of asthma in children.