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" Researchers from the University of Birmingham have found a &amp;quot;strong correlation&amp;quot; between regional pollution levels and the number of deaths from pneumonia. Examining chemical levels in 352 local authorities between 1996 and 2004, the team found higher death rates from pneumonia in some of the most polluted areas. Cross-checking the death records with pollutant levels - including vehicle emissions - the researchers found significant regional variations. Berwick-on-Tweed had the fewest deaths per head during the eight-year period studied, while Lewisham in London had the highest. The 35 authorities with the highest pneumonia rates saw 14,718 more people die than the national average. These areas also saw higher rates of heart disease and certain cancers. &amp;quot;High mortality rates were observed in areas with elevated ambient pollution levels,&amp;quot; explained the report&amp;#039;s author, professor George Knox. &amp;quot;The strongest single effect was an increase in pneumonia deaths. Road transport was the chief source of the emissions responsible,&amp;quot; he added. Though Birmingham University researchers believe the study highlights an &amp;quot;exceptional&amp;quot; link, lung specialists have called for more thorough investigations. &amp;quot;There is clear geographical variation in deaths from pneumonia, lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,&amp;quot; said Richard Hubbard of the British Lung Foundation. &amp;quot;This would suggest that social factors such as deprivation and smoking - and possibly pollution - are important and that there is great potential to prevent deaths from lung disease. The researchers estimate that exhaust emissions contribute to almost 4,000 deaths per year. \u00A9 Adfero Ltd "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/healthy-living/news/a16550/strong-correlation-between-car-fumes-and-pneumonia/>