London air pollution claims 9,500 lives

Air pollution caused the early deaths of almost 9,500 people in London in 2010, according to a study, showing far greater problems than previously estimated.

The research by King’s College London reveals 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 shows.