Low air pollution 'increases death risk'
Air pollution can increase the risk of respiratory disease
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Tuesday, 31, Jul 2007 11:48
Air pollution, even at relatively low levels, remains a risk factor for premature death, a new study has found.
Researchers analysing different electoral wards in Britain from 1966 to 1998 discovered that black smoke and sulphur dioxide (SO2) are strongly linked to the chances of an early death.
Despite a fall in air pollutants over the period studied, the risk of early death remained, even with the comparatively low levels of air pollutants during the most recent time frame (1994-8).
Writing in the journal Thorax, the researchers claim that the risk of premature death from respiratory disease rose by almost four per cent for every 10ug/m3 (micrograms per cubic metre of air) increase in black smoke, and by 13 per cent for every ten parts per billion increase in sulphur dioxide during 1982 to 98.
In 1994 to 1998 the comparable figures were more than 19 per cent and 22 per cent respectively.
The increased risk remained the same even when other factors such as social deprivation were taken into account.
"These findings add to the evidence that air pollution has long-term effects on mortality and point to continuing public health risks even at the relatively lower levels of [black smoke] and SO2 that now occur," the researchers conclude.
"They therefore have importance for policies on public health protection through regulation and control of air pollution."