London's pollution 'affecting other British cities'

Pollution levels in London are so high they affect other cities in the UK and across the world and could cause millions of premature deaths, scientists claimed today.

Ozone and traffic fumes in the capital are such a problem that they hit cities including Bristol, while a "global conveyor belt" of pollution carried on air currents high in the atmosphere spreads our pollutants as far as Asia.

Researchers from the University of Leeds found almost 700 road junctions in London exceed safe levels of nitrous oxide - caused by traffic.

The team has produced maps predicting pollution levels in London in 2010, showing levels of nitrous oxides and the capital's poor-air hotspots.

"It is very striking to see the effect traffic has - roads are

clearly visible on these maps, along with Heathrow Airport," said Professor Mike Pilling. "We've seen rises in London ozone levels cause a problem in Bristol, and global air currents mean London is even polluting as far afield as Asia.

"This is undoubtedly having an adverse effect on people's health. This is only going to get worse as we see more heatwaves and extreme weather events in the future. It is very possible millions of people will die early because of this... people with respiratory problems made worse by pollution."

Experts from London's Imperial College recently claimed that living in London can take 10 years off your life because of exposure to harmful pollutants. It is believed that tiny particles of dust and other pollution can affect the respiratory system, triggering asthma attacks in children and heart attacks in older people.

It is feared the effects can potentially cause permanent damage to the growing lungs of young children.

"The problem is the sheer weight of traffic and power generated," said Professor Pilling. "There needs to be a radical change in car usage to meet EU limits. But London is so large, and creates so much activity it is is difficult to do anything about it without large shifts in people's lifestyles."

Professor Pilling, presenting his research at the BA Festival of Science in Exeter, said London won't be able to meet EU targets on nitrous oxide emissions, due to come into force in 2010. But he added: " Everywhere in Europe is facing a similar problem."