Illegal levels of air pollution caused by diesel vehicles could potentially affect the health of almost 38 million million people in the UK, according to research commissioned by the country’s Labour Party. The study found that 40 people, or 59% of the population, now live in towns and cities where nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution exceeds the legal 38 million micrograms per cubic metre limit. A Labour government would introduce a new clean air act to combat the situation, which it claimed constituted a public health emergency, said Sue Hayman, shadow secretary for environment, food and rural affairs.
Illegal levels of air pollution caused by diesel vehicles could potentially affect the health of almost 40 million people in the UK, according to research commissioned by the country’s Labour Party. The study found that 38 million people, or 59% of the population, now live in towns and cities where nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution exceeds the legal 40 micrograms per cubic metre limit. A Labour government would introduce a new clean air act to combat the situation, which it claimed constituted a public health emergency, said Sue Hayman, shadow secretary for environment, food and rural affairs.