The British Lung Foundation is calling on the Government to take more action to improve air quality after research released in the New England Journal of Medicine found diesel traffic to be a health hazard for asthmatics.
Researchers looked at how a two-hour walk in two different parts of London affected the health of a group of asthmatics.
One group was on Oxford Street, where only diesel-powered buses and taxis can drive, and the other was in a traffic-free section of Hyde Park.
Those who walked on Oxford Street saw a greater reduction in lung function.
“This is an important study because it very clearly and vividly demonstrates the negative impact diesel fumes have on lung health, especially in asthmatics,” says Dr Keith Prowse, Chairman of the British Lung Foundation.
“Reducing harmful emissions would be good news for the one in seven people in the UK who have a lung disease and should mean fewer premature deaths, reduced hospital visits, and fewer GP consultations for people with respiratory disease.
“The Low Emission Zone, which will be introduced in the capital in February, is a positive step forward, but more needs to be done to improve the air Londoners breathe.”
Top 10 tips: Air pollution and your lungs
1) Air pollution is linked to respiratory diseases like bronchitis and asthma and is also thought to cause about 3% of lung cancer
2) Traffic emissions are now the main source of air pollution with small smoke particles known as PM10s especially dangerous to lungs
3) Make the air safer to breathe by leaving the car at home and getting on public transport
4) Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas caused mainly by traffic exhausts which hampers the blood’s ability to carry oxygen to the brain, heart and other tissues
5) Ozone levels are highest in summer and can affect up to a third of healthy people who may find it harder to exercise outdoors
6) You can find out about air pollution levels in your area by ringing 0800 556677 (for free) or on Teletext (page 156)
7) If levels are high where you live and you feel affected, cut back on the amount of time you spend outdoors, especially in cities
8) If you have to drive, car-share with friends or family and use unleaded petrol or ultra clean diesel
9) Make sure children who have asthma always carry their inhalers with them
10) If you live near a busy main road, try to close the windows at peak times
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