Pollution in capital exceeds limits by up to 100%

Smog city: large areas of London failed air pollution targets and in some cases levels were rising

A group of MPs today criticised the Government for failing to reduce potentially deadly air pollution in London.

Latest figures show readings taken from 10 areas in central London exceeded EU recommendations by up to 100 per cent. A further 63 areas exceeded limits by up to 25 per cent.

The Commons transport committee singled out the capital's poor record on meeting targets in a report.

It found that targets for nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and particulates (PM10s) were all missed and in some cases levels were actually rising.

The report, based on 2006 readings, found the worst areas included King's Cross, Bloomsbury, Holborn and large swathes of the West End.

It said the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs was still reporting a failure to meet air quality targets, particularly in London.

It added: "The consequences of this failure are not insignificant ... it is estimated that respiratory disorders associated with PM10 episodes are responsible for 8,100 additional deaths and 10,500 additional hospital admissions each year."

A spokesman for London Councils, which represents town halls, said: "Boroughs are committed to working closely with our partners in industry and the Mayor, who also has a statutory duty to reduce air pollution, to deliver a cleaner capital. However, we are disappointed that the Government appears not to be as committed to our goals.

"In particular, plans to expand Heathrow will further undermine efforts to improve the capital's air quality and we remain deeply concerned that they could be pushed through, despite opposition."

Ministers are planning to apply to Brussels for a five-year exemption from the EU limits to allow Heathrow expansion to go ahead, which could mean more than 60,000 extra flights will pass low over London each year.

Boris Johnson today repeated his call for the airport plan to be shelved, saying it would "increase air pollution and the number of people exposed to dangerous levels of pollution".

Defra said: "Government is working to meet air quality targets."

DEADLY CHEMICALS IN LONDON'S AIR

Nitrogen dioxide

At high levels, this causes inflammation of the airways. Long-term exposure may affect lung function and respiratory system. NO2 also enhances the response to allergens in sensitive individuals.

Sulphur dioxide

Causes constriction of the airways. This effect is particularly likely to occur in people suffering from asthma and chronic lung disease.

PM10 particulates

Short- and long-term exposure to ambient levels of PM10 particulates is associated with ill health, respiratory and cardiovascular illness and even death.

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