Air pollution caused the early deaths of almost 9,500 people in London in 2010, according to a new study, showing far greater problems than previously estimated.
The research by King's College London has revealed for the first time the impacts of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which comes from exhaust fumes and other burning of fossil fuels, on mortality in London.
In 2010, there were 3,537 premature deaths due to particles known as particulate matter (PM2.5) and 5,879 early deaths in the capital as a result of nitrogen dioxide, bringing the total to 9,416, the study for Transport for London and the Greater London Authority showed.
The economic costs of the air pollution were estimated to be as much as £3.7 billion.
The study also revealed that particulate matter led to the loss of 52,630 years of life among Londoners, due to causing premature deaths, and NO2 led to 88,113 years of life lost.
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Thousands dying early every year 'because of London's filthy air'