In 2017, 460 deaths across the London were connected to fine particulate air pollution, whereas in Birmingham the figure is closer to 500.

The World Health Organisation recommends annual levels of PM2.5, which is the level of dust, soot and smoke particles that are normally connected with road vehicles. As the levels of air pollution increase, it is predicted that deaths will increase by 6%.

Reportedly, long-term exposure to air pollution increases the risk of death, stemming predominantly from cardiovascular causes. In contrast, short-term exposure to high concentrations of air pollution can exacerbate lung and heart conditions.

‘Having an estimate for the loss of life attributed to air pollution is one way to measure its impact, but sadly it doesn’t tell the whole story,’ affirmed Chief Executive of the British Lung Foundation, Dr. Penny Woods.

The World Health Organization currently imposes limits on air pollution levels, which the British Lung Foundation are calling to be included the upcoming Environmental Bill. They are also calling on ‘Clean Air Zones’ in towns and cities throughout the UK which are most polluted.

Jenny Bates from Friends of the Earth, an international network of environmental organizations, said ‘It is children who are among the worst affected by dirty air, and this can lead to worsened asthma and even children growing up with smaller lungs.

‘The solution to this health crisis lies in city mayors and local authorities using their powers to restrict the dirtiest vehicles from the most polluted areas and encourage people to leave the car at home.’

Redbrick spoke to a final year student who said, ‘It’s not really surprising considering how much traffic there is in Birmingham. It’s the second biggest city, afterall.’

The statistics further show that in 2017, 5.1% of all deaths in England were caused by fine particle air pollution.

Despite its recent implementation of a Clean Air Strategy, the government is struggling to match the recommended air pollution levels. These are put forward by World Health Organization for the next year in order to reduce the risks that air pollution poses.

After the strategy was launched, the UK’s Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, said ‘air pollution poses the single greatest environmental threat to human health.’

Hancock affirmed the need to reduce pollution for good health, but this ‘a duty of government’ as ‘no-one can tackle air pollution alone.’