Air pollution is responsible for an estimated 695 deaths a year across west London, shocking new statistics show.
A report published today by Public Health England (PHE) suggests 137 deaths in Ealing during 2010 were attributable to poor air quality.
In both Brent (111) and Hillingdon (118) the health watchdog calculates dirty air contributed to more than 100 deaths that year, while in Hounslow the figure is 99.
Across Harrow, Hammersmith & Fulham and Kensington & Chelsea, a further 230 deaths in 2010 are blamed on human-made pollution, which PHE estimates killed 3,389 Londoners that year.
DEATHS ATTRIBUTABLE TO AIR POLLUTION (PHE figures for 2010)
Ealing 137
Brent 111
Hillingdon 118
Hounslow 99
Harrow 90
Hammersmith & Fulham 72
Kensington & Chelsea 68
The PHE report claims sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and other air-bound pollutants cost west Londoners 9,170 years of life.
The figures were calculated using average air pollution levels and mortality figures in each local authority to estimate how many of those deaths were down to long-term exposure to air pollution, which is a major cause of cardiorespiratory disease.
Dr Yvonne Doyle, regional director for PHE London, said: "Air quality has improved in London in recent decades due to new cleaner technology and tighter environmental legislation.
"Despite improvements we still estimate that long term exposure to particle air pollution has an effect equivalent to around 3,000 deaths a year in London.
"The major effect of long term exposure to air pollution is on deaths from cardiorespiratory disease and it is likely that air pollution acts as a contributory factor, along with many others, including smoking.
"There is still more we can do on reducing air pollution. Local and London-wide actions can be taken to reduce emissions and exposure to air pollution for Londoners.
"For individual Londoners you can help reduce emissions by cycling or walking rather than driving, helping both the environment and you to stay fit and healthy."
