London schools will be alerted whenever the city ’s air pollution reaches levels that pose an acute risk to public health from next year , as part of new initiatives to emphasise the extent of the problem in the capital . Air pollution causes about 40,000 early deaths a year in the UK – more than 9,000 in London – and the young are particularly vulnerable. Of the UK ’s annual 40,000 - 50,000 premature deaths from air pollution , over half are in London , with young people particularly vulnerable . Train stations and bus stops already receive alerts , and the system is to be extended to doctors ’ surgeries and care homes “ in the near future ” .
London schools will be alerted whenever the city ’s air pollution reaches levels that pose an acute risk to public health from next year , as part of new initiatives to emphasise the extent of the problem in the capital . Of the UK ’s annual 40,000 - 50,000 premature deaths from air pollution , over half are in London , with young people particularly vulnerable . Train stations and bus stops already receive alerts , and the system is to be extended to doctors ’ surgeries and care homes “ in the near future ” .