Pollution could cut your life by 10 years

Pollution could reduce the lifespan of Londoners by up to 10 years, experts warned today.

Levels of low-level ozone, which can cause respiratory and lung disease, last year reached the highest levels since records began, according to figures due to be released at the end of the year.

Experts fear the rise could reduce lifespans and trigger an epidemic of asthma, heart and lung problems.

The figures, produced by King's College London, reveal levels of PM10, a mix of tiny dust particles, were also dangerously high on 60 days last year.

Dr Roy Colvile is a pollution expert at Imperial College London. He said: "In extreme cases lifespan can be reduced by 10 years by pollution. It is the straw that breaks the camel's back for some people - if they are having heart problems it can trigger a heart attack, for instance.

"Statistics have already shown an increase in the number of people dying on high pollution days."

It is estimated that London's air pollution has caused about 1,600 premature deaths and has led to another 1,500 hospital admissions every year.

Dr Colvile also claims millions of Londoners will suffer from minor problems caused by rising pollution levels. "Minor symptoms such as an itchy nose, or those suffering from asthma and hayfever needing to take more medication will increase... To fix the issue, we all need to make some lifestyle changes."

Experts also believe last year's recordbreaking temperatures contributed to the surge in pollution.

Gary Fuller is the air quality monitoring manager at King's College. His group checks about 80 air quality monitors around the capital and produced the latest figures. He said: "Last year's hot weather had an effect on these levels, as a lot of warm air brings in pollution from around London.

"There has been a real rise in ozone levelsand there is some work to be done if we are to meet EU pollution limits, which are due to come into effect in 2005."

Government officials played down the latest figures, claiming last year's results were due to the heatwave. A Department of Environment spokeswoman said: "Fluctuations from one year to the next can occur, as in 2003, because of differences in weather conditions."

It was originally hoped the introduction of the congestion charge would lead to a reduction in pollution. However, some mayoral candidates have now called for the zone to be extended in a bid to cut the health risks of traffic fumes.