Health warning over air pollution

Air pollution in the capital has soared to its highest in seven years, statistics reveal today.

In the first six months of this year it has risen to dangerous levels more times than in the whole of 2002. In some areas it is worse than the last two years combined.

Experts are "deeply concerned" by the changes, which pose a severe threat to health. They believe the problem is being caused by pollution drifting across from the Continent combined with vehicle emissions. Air quality in London is measured by levels of ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and PM10 particulates.

The European Union has set "safe" levels for these pollutants. But since January the safe level of particulates - which pose the highest risk - has been exceeded on up to 90 days in some areas.

It had been thought the congestion charge would ease pollution in central London. But Transport for London said they had not yet completed research into its effects on air quality, adding that pollution drifting in from abroad should not distort their work.

Particulates are tiny particles in vehicle exhausts and light industry emissions that can cause serious, sometimes fatal, illnesses. They are even thought to cause cancer.

In Shaftesbury Avenue, particulates have reached dangerous levels on 37 days of this year, compared with 32 days in the whole of last year. Similar measurements were made at Old Street, near the City, on 33 days of this year compared with only seven days in 2002.

Other hot spots include Loughborough junction in Brixton, the Old Kent Road and Catford. The statistics have been compiled by the Environmental Research Group and King's College. They monitor pollution daily in every borough of London as well as sites in Kent.

Gary Fuller, head of the programme, said: "This is very concerning, especially because of the way these particulates affect health. We think it has been caused by high levels of pollution from the Continent.

"These sudden 'highs' have occurred in February, March and April and we have no idea if they will occur again. But it looks as if in many areas of London pollution levels will exceed levels set in Europe."

The European Directive on Air Quality states that limits can only be exceeded on 35 days of any year. But already on the Marylebone Road particulates have surpassed recommended levels on 90 days.

According to a government report, air pollution causes 1,600 people who suffer from breathing problems to die prematurely every year. A further 1,500 are admitted to hospital because their symptoms are made worse. Those at most risk are asthmatics and the elderly.